Private Sector and Development

Chairs

Team

Catherine ARAUJO BONJEAN
Researcher in economics at CERDI-CNRS,
Educational Coordinator for the Master's Programme in Economic Policy Management (GPE), Head of Training at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Sustainable Development (IHEDD-FERDI),
Scientific Advisor to FERDI’s Chair on Agricultural Modernisation Policies in Africa.
Jean-Louis ARCAND
President of the Global Development Network (GDN),
FERDI Senior Fellow,
Co-Director of the FERDI Chair in Impact Investing.
Bagoré BATHILY
Director General of La Laiterie du Berger,
Africa Representative to FERDI’s Chair on Agricultural Modernisation Policies in Africa
Zeineb BENAISSA
Research Assistant, FERDI
Joël CARIOLLE
Research Officer at FERDI,
Research Associate at CERDI
Mariam DJIBO
Finance expert in West Africa, specializing in private equity and inclusive finance
Co-Director of the FERDI Chair in Impact Investing
Former General Director of Advans Côte d'Ivoire
Andrea DSOUZA
Research Assistant, FERDI
Jean-Marc GRAVELLINI
Head of the FERDI Chair on Agricultural Modernisation Policies in Africa
Former Head of the Sahel Alliance.
Former Executive Director of Operations at the French Development Agency
General Secretary of ALFA
Florian LÉON
Research Officer, FERDI
Head of training programmes at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Sustainable Development (IHEDD–FERDI)
Sitraka RABARY
Research Assistant, FERDI
Jean-Michel SEVERINO
Vice-President of FERDI
President of the Chair Impact investing
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of I&P
FERDI Senior Fellow

Private Sector and Development

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Chairs
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Publications
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Data
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Events
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Blogs
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Press review

FERDI analyses the role of the private sector in sustainable development pathways, particularly in Africa. Through its research, thematic chairs and dialogue with public and private decision-makers, it contributes to international debates on entrepreneurship, impact investing and the transformation of agricultural value chains.

Its work aims to strengthen the links between research, public policy and investment strategies in order to promote more inclusive and sustainable growth.

Entrepreneurship and Development

In 2025, FERDI continued its research on the institutional and political determinants of entrepreneurship and access to finance in developing countries. This work contributes to a better understanding of the influence of political environments and financial systems on private sector dynamics.

FERDI also finalised a study for the International Organisation de La Francophonie (OIF) on high-growth enterprises in the French-speaking world. The study identifies public policy levers that could support the emergence and development of these businesses.

Impact Investing Chair

The FERDI Impact Investing Chair analyses the dynamics of impact investing and its role in development finance, particularly in Africa. Its work aims to better understand the structure of the sector, inform investor strategies and assess the conditions under which responsible investment practices can generate measurable economic and social impact. >> View the Chair’s work

Chair on Agricultural Modernisation Policies in Africa

The Chair on “Agricultural Modernisation Policies in Africa” promotes a strategic vision for the sustainable and inclusive transformation of African agriculture based on the development of value chains, the strengthening of the private sector’s role and the mobilisation of innovative financial tools. >> View the Chair’s work

Chairs