IFC’s Work in Inclusive Business

Private sector solutions to ending poverty

Directly reaching the poor and underserved is one fundamental way for the private sector to help end poverty by 2030.

By integrating the “base of the economic pyramid” into value chains as suppliers, employees, distributors, retailers, and customers using commercially-viable methods, the private sector can foster opportunity, expand access, and improve lives through solutions that are sustainable, replicable, and scalable. This is what we refer to as Inclusive Business.

Companies increasingly recognize the business benefits of an inclusive approach—from expanded market share to a diversified supply chain and more. Inclusive Business has proven to be good business.

With $22 billion committed to inclusive businesses since 2005, IFC is a leading Inclusive Business investor. These investments reach all industries, including financial markets, agribusiness, health, education, technology, and infrastructure.

IFC champions Inclusive Business by developing strategies to foster inclusiveness in investments, creating solutions for clients, and delivering thought leadership.