Introduction

Private-sector logic and dynamics could become the single largest contribution to the accomplishment of the Millennium Development Goals in Africa by 2015. Market-based solutions for poverty alleviation have attracted much positive attention and have been received both among academics and practitioners, paralleling the success of the systematic adoption of microfinance around the world. Moreover, a favorable business climate can be considered both a comparative advantage and a key public good in emerging markets. Following these arguments, development and human rights organizations have become increasingly receptive to the concept of private-sector strategies to improve the lives of the poor. However, it is of crucial importance that the creation, implementation, and functioning of private-sector strategies are pro-poor, and do not resemble a new form of colonialism—a common critique—that only advantageously serves foreign multinational companies (or large foreign multinationals). Often, doing business at the “bottom of the pyramid” may threaten local culture and independence while providing nowhere near the economic or societal advantages that some suggest.

In this chapter, I argue that a much more powerful angle to alleviate poverty might be, instead of concentrating on large foreign multinational corporations, to foster local entrepreneurial activity to allow for the emergence of inclusive, pro-poor markets, and indeed promote local cultures and local autonomy for sustained change. The importance of locally based entrepreneurial activities and initiatives is highlighted by Gracia Clark in chapter 7 of this volume and by Mary J. Osirim in chapter 8. While expanding the discussion on this major theme, I examine the general potential and impact of triggering entrepreneurial activity, as well as financial, operational, and management constraints on entrepreneurship in Côte d’Ivoire. This chapter concentrates on the following major research questions: what is the potential of professional, interactive e-commerce for local artisanal products from West Africa to create economic opportunities, foster entrepreneurship, and help alleviate poverty? and what are the major constraints that must be overcome? For this chapter, it is assumed that social transformation can be achieved through various axes: empowering the local population by creating economic opportunities, promoting local artisanal work and African culture in general, knowledge transfer, improving business and technological skills, and integrating African entrepreneurs into the global economy. Tools for social impact assessment are presented and analyzed.