A Christian Resource for Microenterprise Development
Development Resources
NEWS
We hope you will find some interesting ideas and innovations in these news items which are updated quite regularly
Internet Reach Increasing into Developing Countries
The Internet has expanded globally by nearly 380% since 2000 and it is reported that
25% of the world's population now has Internet access. More information
Business in a Box Micro consignment
Supplying
specially developed affordable essential products via missions and charities to the
poorest communities is proving successful in some African countries and reports.
Reports suggest that the market potential is massive. More
Aid for Trade is exploring a market test of a ‘business in a box’ concept, comprising fifteen selected low cost essential goods, to be supplied into very communities in collaboration with partners in Mozambique.
Basic Utility Vehicle Assembly and Sales
"Improving the lives of the world’s poor by providing simple, low-cost vehicles to
facilitate community transformation”.
Our partners are typically entrepreneurs in
Africa or ministries that are looking to provide valuable transportation to help
share the gospel, deliver vital services, and help create employment. A simple cost
effective transportation solution throughout Africa could not only change but save
millions of lives ...bridging the gap between vitals services and people in need.
More information: Website
Sanitary pad franchise creates jobs & improves lives
SHE (website) has been set up to provide African women and girls with affordable sanitary pads. Its first franchise launched in Rwanda earlier this year, with women manufacturing and distributing the low-cost products
Ecofaebricks from Cow Dung
Made with 75% cow dung, Ecofaebricks are claimed to be 20% lighter and 20% stronger than ordinary bricks. Click here for more information.
Improving hygiene and reducing disease risks
The PeePoo bag is being developed in Sweden for use where there are no toilets. The bags are biodegradable and impregnated with chemicals, claimed to compost faeces and urine safely for fertilizer use in about 6 weeks.
This could be a significant help for very poor communities and the price may be low enough for sustainable use. More information here
Business 
planning and information
Cobweb provides on line access access to business planning and offers for sale at about £6 each, fact sheets on start up of 650 small business opportunities, some of which Aid for Trade have purchased. A quite useful free weekly newsletter on small businesses, albeit UK based, is available click here
Free Seeds
Seedsavers (click here) have a hand book and number of videos on their website showing how seed can be saved from crops for planting next year.
Candles from Waste Oil!
Located above a cafe, Tokyo candle makers Filt have their raw material within easy reach: used cooking oil, which they filter, colour and scent before pouring it into jars found in glass recycling bins.
.If this interests you, do please let us know click here.
Get Motivated!
Free downloadable booklet on Creative Motivation by Mark McGuiness available here
Fast Road and Pavement Repair
Readymac have developed a small scale system for repair of potholes and damaged pavements with a special filling, mixed in a mobile machine. The repairs set hard in just 10 minutes. A smaller machine is being developed with an expected cost of about £7,500.
Kids Food Carts
Mercy Corps has designed and built new food carts and recruited local vendors to sell snacks using recipes designed by Mercy Corps’ heath team. Not only will this program provide new job opportunities for poor residents but it will also help provide children healthier snacking options.
Media Innovations in Rural Africa
Inflatable portable movie screens
Outdoor movie shows offer a potential small business opportunity and could be used in outreach education and health promotion programmes. Inflatable screens are being used
Internet Cafe in a Shipping Container
Computer Aid has created its second cyber cafe in a shipping container, bringing internet connectivity where ever it's needed.
Small Scale Equipment designed for Africa
Kickstart produce and sell low cost, manually operated water pumps,
soil/cement block presses and a cold press for vegetable oil extraction
SMALL SCALE PLANT AND EQUIPMENT SOURCING
If you are needing to purchase small scale processing plant or equipment for your business venture and already have funding, let us know and we may be able to help by suggesting suitable suppliers