ABSTRACT
With China and India rapidly developing 'second world' status there is a widespread belief that the new markets of the future will principally be found in Africa. Most African businesses are very small, one man or one family, farmers and street traders. Many operate in the informal economy and thus cannot readily be reached through formal supply chains or partnerships. Civil Society Organisations (CSO) within developing countries are as likely to be campaigning for civil liberties, striving for those fundamental rights which westerners take for granted, as on bread and butter community welfare ones. In 'the world's largest voluntary corporate citizenship initiative' companies commit to business practices which 'contribute to a more stable, equitable and inclusive global market and help build prosperous and thriving societies'. The International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF) is a leading authority on cross-sector partnerships in developing countries. The IBLF was one of the founders, along with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
