Economic development and trade
The economic development of growing countries depends on a strong private sector and dynamic local entrepreneurship. Our approach aims for inclusive and sustainable growth that creates quality jobs for young people, women and rural communities.
In addition to providing direct support to businesses to strengthen their competitiveness and integration into value chains, we act on several levers:
- improving the legislative and regulatory framework
- structuring local industries
- economic diversification
- the energy transition
- attracting investment and promoting favourable trade agreements
Areas of expertise
Ginger SOFRECO supports private sector development at all levels, including business environment reform, investment promotion, support for SMEs/SMIs, value chain development and access to finance. We place entrepreneurship, particularly among young people and women, at the heart of our work.
Our services range from public policy development to support for national agencies (IPAs, one-stop shops and chambers of commerce), including the establishment of innovative financing mechanisms (seed funds, guarantees and blended finance) and tailor-made support programmes (incubators, accelerators and coaching).
Our approach prioritises local ownership and the sustainability of reforms, and integrates key cross-cutting issues, such as the green transition, digitalisation, gender equality and territorial inclusion.
Supporting entrepreneurship and private sector development
Supporting investment and improving the business climate
Effective implementation of trade agreements and economic partnerships
Supporting entrepreneurship and private sector development
We support the growth of SMEs through:
- individualised technical support, management training and improved access to finance
- targeted measures to stimulate innovation, technical compliance and exports
We also facilitate the development of the entrepreneurial landscape by establishing or strengthening incubators, business service centres and mechanisms that support formalisation.
Lastly, we contribute to a more business-friendly environment through administrative simplification, the digitalisation of procedures, including business creation, taxation and customs, and the strengthening of public-private dialogue through sectoral platforms and well-equipped professional organisations.
Our integrated approach aims to create an inclusive, competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem connected to regional and international value chains.
Our references in economic development and trade
Technical Assistance to the Implementation of the Support Programme to Job Creation and Investment Climate in Botswana ( 2021 - 2024 )
This project was part of a broader, multi-country EU initiative entitled "Support for Job Creation and the Business Environment". It aimed specifically to strengthen the entrepreneurial environment and investment conditions in East Africa, Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, in order to encourage the development of value chains with high potential for inclusive and sustainable job creation.
Dedicated teams
Our private sector and business climate improvement teams combine strategic expertise and field experience to support major international institutions such as the World Bank, AFD, AfDB and the European Commission, as well as local entrepreneurs.
The Economy, Public Management and Private Sector department has four specialists who draw on a network of dozens of economic development and private sector promotion experts to offer tailor-made support combining strategic vision, operational support and in-depth knowledge of local conditions.
Our team's unique positioning at the intersection of strategic consulting, institutional support and operational assistance to economic actors makes us a key partner in designing and implementing targeted, sustainable reforms that promote investment and entrepreneurship, and improve the business climate.
people
They trust us
CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
Promoting entrepreneurship and the development of private enterprise
Promoting entrepreneurship and private sector development is key to achieving inclusive, sustainable and resilient growth, particularly in developing countries. Entrepreneurship creates decent jobs, increases economic autonomy (especially among young people and women), diversifies productive activities and stimulates innovation. However, entrepreneurs often encounter significant challenges, such as limited access to finance, inadequate management capabilities, a restrictive regulatory environment and fragmented value chains.
To address these challenges, it is crucial to support not only entrepreneurs but also the entrepreneurial ecosystem as a whole (incubators, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, etc.) in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the private sector.
Improving the business climate and attracting private investment are also key pillars. Despite their strong potential, many countries struggle to achieve this due to an unattractive business environment characterised by regulatory instability, heavy bureaucracy and inadequate infrastructure. The aim is therefore to create more transparent and effective conditions for investors, which can be achieved by simplifying procedures, improving governance and strengthening public–private dialogue.
Lastly, the effective implementation of trade agreements (EPAs, AfCFTA, etc.) is a strategic priority for maximising the benefits of regional and international integration. Their impact is often limited by insufficient implementation capacity and a lack of coordination. It is therefore necessary to strengthen institutional capacity, ensure consistency between international commitments and national policies, and facilitate access for businesses, particularly SMEs, to exportation opportunities.
Contact us
