Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa plagued by poverty and economic instability. Ranked 174th of 177 on the UNDP Human Development Index, it is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a gross national income of $380. With 60% of the country consumed by desert, there is a high risk of drought, often leading to water and food insecurities. With few economic opportunities, most Malians remain helpless in their rural isolated communities.
Across the world, on another continent, Bolivia is currently undergoing a tense economic situation, following recent political upheaval, increased ethnic and racial tensions and overall social and economic disenchantment. These difficulties have been compounded by a regional economic downturn, and Bolivia continues to be one of the poorest countries in Latin America.
Trickle Up is a global initiative striving to empower the world's most economically disadvantaged through innovative projects and income
generating opportunities. Trickle Up works both in Mali and Bolivia to deliver desperately needed technical assistance and training; business development services; and access to capital and savings funds in the face of poor infrastructure, political instability, and overall literacy and educational barriers.
Trickle Up Bolivia has partnered with local NGOs to support and build up over 442 businesses since 2004, mostly run by women. In Mali, Trickle Up has provided its services to more than 5,500 micro-entrepreneurs; started 52 savings groups and has enabled 850 businesses to develop, predominantly run by women.
The International Finance Corporation's (IFC) Grassroots Business Initiative (GBI) bolsters the efforts of Trickle Up in the following ways:
- Entrepreneurial capacity building;
- Poverty targeting and outreach;
- Business training and expansion;
- Formation and training of savings groups; and
- Monitoring and evaluation
For more information on Trickle Up, visit their website at: TrickleUp.org
