Recent issues

Private Sector & Development

Recent issues

Issue 13 - Development initiatives for Sub Saharan agriculture and food production industries

Demographic trends and food crises are making reform of Africa’s agriculture and agro-industry a matter of necessity. Solutions do exist – solutions which are to a large extent dependent on the private sector.

Issue 12 - Can private equity boost African development?

Private equity divides opinion: for some it is a financial product like any other; for others it is an effective development tool. Can Africa afford to do without the financial opportunities it offers? This is the challenge.

Issue 11 - Technical assistance - a development tool serving the private sector

When new businesses benefit from consultancy as part of the investment package, it increases not only their chances of survival but also their ability to improve living conditions for local communities and so contribute to a brighter future.

Issue 10 - Cement, caught between ecological responsibility and economic imperatives

The cement industry emits high levels of CO2, yet it is essential for the rapid economic development of developing countries.
How can the industry curb its climate impact, and how can development institutions help it to do so?

Issue 9 - What role for the private sector in African railways development?

Infrastructure to renew, new lines to build…
Africa’s railways must face a whole host of challenges in order to contribute to the continent’s rapid development.
What role can the private sector play?

Issue 8 - The mining sector, an opportunity for growth in Africa?

To what extent can the mining sector contribute to Africa's sustainable development?
What are the impacts of mineral exploration and extraction projects?
How can the mining industry contribute to local economic growth and poverty reduction?
How can better governance and fiscal responsibility be achieved?
What role can Development Finance Institutions play in Africa's mining sector?

Issue 7 - Should tourism be promoted in developing countries?

How tourism in developing countries is considered by States, donors, commercial banks and private investors?
Can it truly benefit developing countries by boosting growth and reducing poverty?
What are the positive and negative impacts of tourism projects?
Do they depend on the type and size of project?
What motivates private investments in tourism and what risks do they face in developing countries?
Is tourism a catalyst of investments?

Issue 6 - Private equity and clean energy: how to boost investments in emerging markets?

How can private equity funds be a part of the answer to the climate challenge?
What is the role of private equity funds in financing clean energy in emerging markets?
Can they trigger additional private investment?
What barriers do they face?

Issue 5 - Africa's Financial Markets: a Real Development Tool?

Despite their limits can financial markets really contribute to private sector financing?
What can they provide t0 firms and individuals?
How can governments and development partners impove their performances?

Issue 4 - What are the Economic and Social Impacts of the Mobile Phone Sector in Developing Countries?

Should mobile telephony be promoted in lowincome countries?
Via which mechanisms can it have a positive impact on the development of these countries?

Issue 3 - What balance between financial sustainability and social issues in the microfinance sector?

What are the best practices for financial management and governance?
What priorities must MFIs set in order to maintain their social mission?

Issue 2 - How can the private sector help provide access to drinking water in developing countries?

How and to what extent can the private sector take on a public service mission?
How should roles be shared between public authorities and private operators?

Issue 1 - SME financing in Sub-Saharan Africa

Why is it difficult for SMEs to gain access to financing in Sub-Saharan Africa?
What are the prospects for improvement?

Associated Sites

ABOUT US

Development Finance Institution, PROPARCO was created over 30 years ago on the conviction that the private sector plays a key role in the development of South countries.
Board of Directors
Shareholders

ACTIVITY

PROPARCO promotes private investment in emerging and developing countries with the aims of supporting growth, sustainable development and the Millenium Developement Goals.
Geographic breakdown
Activity by sectors

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

PROPARCO provides a full range of financial products tailored to the specific needs of investors in South countries.
Financial tools
Our other services

CSR AND IMPACTS

PROPARCO’s ambition is to promote accountable funding with a high level environmental, social and development standards. This approach is supported by its own Environmental and Social Impacts Unit.
Environmental and social strategy
Impacts

REGIONS

PROPARCO benefits from the support of regional offices implanted in intervention areas
PROPARCO in Southern Africa and Madagascar
PROPARCO in Morocco

PROPARCO in North and Southeast Asia

FISEA

FISEA is an investment fund that makes equity investments in businesses, banks, microfinance institutions and investment funds operating in Sub-Saharan Africa. FISEA aims to be a lever for economic growth in this region.

PUBLICATIONS & PRESS

Find in this section the body of PROPARCO's publications
News
Conferences

PROPARCO in the press