WORLD ECONOMIC JOURNAL
INCLUSIVE BUSINESS MODEL
A new holy grail for sustainable development ?
By Max Bulakovsky
Max Bulakovsky , a development practitioner with around 20 years of experience in Asia , the Middle East and Northern Africa , has a strong interest in social innovation and inclusive ventures . He is currently employed by an international organisation . This article is written in his personal capacity .
I n a remote corner of India , deep in the Araku Valley , a remarkable transformation is unfolding . What was once a poverty-stricken agricultural area , home to vulnerable tribal groups , has turned into a thriving community of high-grade coffee producers , selling their product in markets as far-reaching as Paris and deserving a mention in The Economist .
The catalyst for this change ? An inclusive business model that empowers local farmers to transcend their previous limitations .
The story of Araku Coffee is not an isolated one . Across the globe , companies are embracing the concept of inclusive business — an approach that integrates low-income communities into the value chain as suppliers , distributors , and consumers . This model is not only proving to be profitable but is also making significant strides in addressing poverty , fostering social inclusion , and contributing to sustainable development . In essence , it represents a critical pathway toward achieving the UN ’ s Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ).
Inclusive business models are rapidly gaining recognition as efficient strategies for sustainable economic development . These models are premised on the idea that businesses can achieve
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