The industrial sector is often said to be essential to economic development, but it is also a source of much controversy (environmental impact, labor law compliance, creation of decent jobs, etc.). This is why PROPARCO wanted to devote the latest issue of its review Private Sector & Development to the questions raised by the industrial sector at a time when we are embracing sustainable development. The review lets researchers, economists, representatives of NGOs and business leaders have their say in order to shed light on these subjects, which are particularly topical during the current health and economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 epidemic.

During this critical period, a number of financial players – PROPARCO’s partners – are taking action to support African SMEs, which are (already) facing major cashflow problems.