|
 The Commission for Africa and G8 discussions highlighted that private enterprise is a prime engine of growth and development. To boost economic growth in the region, a US$100 million multi-donor. Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund was recommended. The fund offers grants on a competitive basis to private sector companies to test innovative business models resulting in the greater participation of the poor in markets – both as consumers and also as workers and producers. The AECF is expected to stimulate over US$200 million additional private sector investment in financial and agricultural markets across Africa over the next seven years. The UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) is committed to working with other donors to deliver this fund. The AECF was successfully launched at the World Economic Forum in Cape Town on 5th June 2008.
The Fund Manager of the AECF is KPMG Development Services Limited, in association with Triple Line Consulting (TLC), Imani Development Group (Imani) and Crown Agents. Additional support is provided by the Springfield Centre for Business in Development (advisory) and Y&R Brands (marketing and communications).
Â
 Lot 5: Studies, assessments and presentations regarding trade, businesses and regional economic integration
The consortium is led by AESA - Agriconsulting Europe SA with members:  Imani Development (GB), Instituto de la Calidad (QI) (ES), ECA International (ES) and Maxwell Stamp PLC (GB). The contract period is 2007 to 2009 with option for possible extension.
Â
Regional Trade Facilitation Programme (RTFP)
.bmp) The contract to implement the RTFP was awarded in 2003 to Imani Development International Limited (Imani) and implementation started at the beginning of 2004. Following the first annual review of the programme, it has taken a more strategic and innovative approach (rather than administering projects generated by key project partners). It has also now increased the focus on the link between trade and poverty. The contract has been extended several times and is now due to be completed by end 2009, with a total value of  Euro 18,641,000
|