Action for Enterprise is a leader in the field of private sector development for poverty alleviation. A private nonprofit organization, AFE has experience in over 35 different value chains and 25 countries. For twenty years, AFE has implemented cutting edge field programs, provided technical support to development agencies worldwide, developed state-of-the art training programs, and authored numerous publications. 

As both an implementer of field programs and an advisor to other organizations AFE:

• provides comprehensive analyses of value chains and the interrelationships of enterprises that function therein;
• designs effective field programs based on the latest principles of competitiveness and private sector development;
• facilitates market linkages between buyers and sellers;
• builds the capacity of local enterprise development organizations;
• designs and manages private sector development programs; and
• develops and documents its innovative methodology and shares it with others to promote improved private sector development practices worldwide

AFE promotes a framework for the design and implementation of market development programs that combines the strengths of value chain analysis with participatory methods for identifying sustainable market-based solutions that create benefits for the poor and that promote the competitiveness of industries.

In developing its programs, AFE carries out interviews with market actors and key informants to gain a greater understanding of market trends, industry dynamics, and the role and interrelationships of value chain participants. The objective is to identify constraints hindering business growth and competitiveness and then to identify, assess, and promote commercially viable solutions to these issues. AFE uses an array of tools including participatory focus group discussions with key industry actors to identify the most appropriate facilitation activities.

The major steps in the AFE methodology are presented graphically below:

In all of AFE’s program design and implementation activities, effects are made to respect the following principles:

• Facilitate market-based solutions
• Identify program activities (facilitation activities) based on challenges to market-based solutions
• Work toward a clear vision of market-based solutions (have an exit strategy)
• Separate the roles of provider and facilitator of the market-based solution
• Promote competition in the provision of market-based solutions
• Structure relationships with providers of market-based solutions in a businesslike manner
• Make programs flexible and responsive to opportunities
• Promote coordination of donor efforts
• Develop a positive attitude towards the private sector (including the role that middlemen can play)

Our Vision and Mission
AFE strives to be a global leader, innovator and trainer in reducing poverty through private sector promotion in developing countries. Its mission has three core components:

• To implement programs that promote growth, efficiency and competitiveness of industries resulting in increased benefits and sustainable impact for individuals and small businesses in developing countries.
• To be a leader in training and generate/share knowledge that forwards learning in the enterprise development field.
• To provide technical assistance to other development organizations and practitioners to improve their ability to implement effective market development programs