Small Business Development in Emerging Economies

In emerging markets, the private sector consists for more than 95% out of Small but Growing Businesses (SGB’s), also referred to as Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSME’s), that operate to a large extent in the informal sector. This is one of the reasons why we know relatively little about them. Yet, MSME’s are the key players in local economic development. What factors have led to their growth and what factors have held them back? To what extent do local MSME’s adhere to ESG (economic, social and governance) standards? This course will touch upon the most important topics related to development of the private sector and provide ample ground for debate and reflection.

Through this executive programme you will get a better understanding of how the private sector in emerging economies can be developed. It will offer some space to reflect upon and discuss past and present development both from an aid perspective as well as through local avenues of private sector development such as micro-finance, impact investments and business development services.