Micro entrepreneurship – The Beating Heart of Emerging Economies

Microentrepreneurship—the practice of individuals operating small, often informal businesses with limited capital—plays a critical role in economies worldwide. It provides livelihoods, fosters innovation, and builds community resilience.​ At London Business School, learning happens far beyond the classroom. Two flagship experiential programs—the Johannesburg Global Business Experience (GBE) and Digital for Impact (DFI)—offer MBA students hands-on consulting…

Immersive Consulting at LBS: Comparing two learning experiences in Africa

At London Business School, learning happens far beyond the classroom. Two flagship experiential programs—the Johannesburg Global Business Experience (GBE) and Digital for Impact (DFI)—offer MBA students hands-on consulting opportunities in emerging markets. Both courses allow students to work directly with African entrepreneurs, but their design and delivery highlight different aspects of experiential learning. In a…

Blue Bonds: The Future of Sustainable Finance for Emerging Economies

As climate change accelerates, countries face mounting pressure to invest in sustainability. However, for many emerging economies, financing climate action remains a challenge. Traditional green bonds have provided capital for environmental projects, but they are primarily focused on land-based initiatives such as renewable energy and reforestation. In contrast, blue bonds specifically target marine conservation and…

COP29's carbon market deal benefits businesses but overlooks protections for Global South communities, raising equity concerns.

Carbon Markets at COP29: Unpacking the Impact on Developing Nations

Last year, as COP29 concluded, the adoption of standards for Article 6.4 on its opening day sparked a range of reactions. For businesses, it marked a significant step forward, offering a clearer framework to engage in the global carbon market. However, for climate justice advocates, it represented a missed opportunity to embed stronger safeguards and…

Empowering Women in Africa: Unlocking Financial Freedom and Economic Growth for a Brighter Future

Empowering Women in Africa: Unlocking Financial Freedom and Economic Growth for a Brighter Future

Across Africa, systemic barriers continue to limit women’s economic participation. From restricted access to credit and property rights to deeply entrenched social norms, these challenges perpetuate cycles of poverty and exclusion. Yet, empowering women economically is not just an ethical imperative—it is a proven strategy for driving sustainable growth and development. Globally, women reinvest up…

Gridlock and Socio-Economic Development in Latin America: the Case of Bogota

In Latin American countries, where rapid urbanisation and population growth are common characteristics, the role of transportation in facilitating access to metropolitan areas and its consequent effect on regional economic performance is more important than it may initially appear. However, the traffic ‘gridlock’ is a significant challenge to many cities’ aspirations. Moreover, poor transport networks…

Retail Renaissance: Navigating the Future of Sustainable Shopping

On a trip to Shanghai a couple of years ago, I stumbled upon a grocery store called “Hema” when looking up robot restaurants. More than a typical grocery store, Hema represents the future of retail. Your smartphone acts as a shopping guide: scanning items, providing product details, and managing payments. The store seamlessly combines online…