ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the meaning and implications of concepts such as “the bottom billion” and “bottom of the pyramid” as the focal point for inclusive business models. It elaborates on the context of poverty in African countries and documents the experience of two companies serving the bottom billion while gaining competitive advantage and expanding institutional possibilities around corporate social responsibility. The chapter indicates that the topic of inclusive business highly resonates with the six Principles of Responsible Management Education — purpose, value, method, research, partnerships, and dialogue — and the respective role that management education could and should play in advancing the United Nations Global Compact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It presents illustrative examples of two businesses with such innovative inclusive business models in Africa. The SDGs offer a conceptual framework for businesses to focus their efforts on the most urgent development issues — stimulating whole new ideas for new businesses, products, and services.
