Technology
Where there are unmet development challenges, such as sanitation problems in the slums, last mile health provision, access to clean drinking water, rural electricity needs, etc -- social enterprises have developed business models to address these issues and service gaps, as well as devised innovative means to make their services/products accessible and affordable to the poor. Social enterprises also often engage in inclusive employment to maximize the benefits to the local community, contributing to local skills development and driving greater upstream/ downstream value-chain activities. As social enterprises prioritize social impact over profit, they are a natural ally for governments wanting to expand service delivery to the last mile, yet to do so in an economically sustainable way that minimizes fiscal outlays. The webinar will look at some of the global social enterprise business models that could be replicated in new countries to improve the lives of those living in poverty. We will also explore public policy instruments to support the growth and potential of the social enterprises models to be scaled, replicated or mainstreamed through public or private channels of service delivery, including Bank operations.