Africa

In China, NGOs often collaborate with multinational companies to promote sustainability among their suppliers. This “two-step influence model” allows NGOs to indirectly influence local firms. The success of these collaborations depends on alignment with government priorities, with stronger impacts where the environment is a lower priority. Multinationals benefit from local knowledge and networks through these partnerships but must carefully manage trust and expectations.

Nason, Vedula, Bothello, Bacq, and Charman explore how entrepreneurs in South Africa's informal economy balance the need to be seen with the risk of exposure. Through fieldwork in Cape Town's Delft township, they introduce the concept of “selective visibility,” showing that entrepreneurs reveal themselves strategically to customers or authorities based on social embeddedness. Older, locally rooted business owners often remain discreet, while younger or migrant entrepreneurs seek community visibility for legitimacy. The study highlights visibility as a calibrated practice rather than a binary choice and calls for policies that de-risk gradual formalization, promote trust, and support context-sensitive growth for informal firms.

In 1972, Nairobi, Kenya became the first developing country to host the headquarters of a UN organization, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP's presence in Nairobi has increased Kenya's global governance stature. However, it has not fulfilled the promise of promoting greater input from developing countries. The location has posed challenges to UNEP, including security concerns, recruitment and retention of staff, communication and infrastructure difficulties, and the need for resources. Professor Ivanova's recent book about UNEP's first 50 years identifies practical ways for improving its effectiveness as a premier multilateral institution for addressing the grand environmental challenges of our time.

Blen Yohannes will spend the next year in Ethiopia helping provide new mothers with resources for hospital care.

Blen Yohannes, a Spring 2025 recipient of the Srinivasan Family Awards for Projects in Emerging Markets, spent the summer partnering with Ethiopia's Ministry of Health to strengthen the country's Maternal Death Surveillance and Response program.

Lydia Adobea Dampare Addo, a Fall 2024 recipient of the Srinivasan Family Awards for Projects in Emerging Markets, has spent the past six months leading a student innovation competition in Ghana aimed at helping young people move their ideas from concept to impact.