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IBP Southern Africa
Innovative Business Partnerships for SMEs in the Water and Sanitation Sector in Southern Africa
South Africa, Namibia and Zambia
2015 - 2018
Clients
A project of: develoPPP.de
Implemented by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
On behalf of: Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Beneficiaries
Start-ups and SMEs in Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.
Key Partners
ICRD Group Foundation, South Africa.
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Namibia Business Innovation Institute (NBII), Namibia.
Water and Sanitation Association of Zambia, Zambia.
From initial business development activities implemented in Zambia’s capital Lusaka, we recognised the lack of companies offering relevant, sustainable sanitation, water and waste management services and products in Southern African countries. Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs) who want to fill this gap often lack the capacities and resources to enter such new markets. In addition, SMEs are often restricted in their access to international service providers, facilitating knowledge and technology transfer within business partnerships.
To improve conditions for business partnerships between European technology and service providers and local SMEs in sanitation, water and resource management in Namibia, South Africa and Zambia, we joined forces with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. This development partnership resulted in a set of innovative business development and matchmaking approaches. One of them is Business Model Ateliers (design thinking courses to develop and refine business ideas), multi-days Start-Up programmes that combine training and coaching and business matchmaking services. These events offered exciting and novel opportunities to connect businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs in the sanitation, water, and resource management sectors across borders.
We, as seecon, conducted the following activities:
Co-create and design
- Develop and implement a project-based cooperation model for business development activities and Business Matchmaking Services.
- Develop context-specific business development training packages.
Empower
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Develop and implement a dedicated Training-of-Trainers (ToT) and mentoring process for project partners.
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Provide high-level backstopping and mentorship to project partners.
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Prepare, deliver and follow up concerning a series of 1-day Business Model Development Ateliers.
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Prepare, deliver and follow up concerning a series of multi-days Smart Start-Up Programmes.
Reach and connect
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Develop and facilitate Business Matchmaking Services between European and Southern African start-ups and businesses.
Let’s work together!
Are you looking for a business partner that matches your needs in entering new markets? We offer exciting opportunities in connecting businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs in the sanitation, water and resource management sectors across borders. We help you find the perfect match, connect with companies with common business interests, enter new markets, and establish a presence abroad. Contact us to learn more about our services.
Contact us