Do elections shape firm dynamics?
August 03, 2026
Its work seeks to strengthen the links between research, public policy and investment strategies in order to promote more inclusive and sustainable growth.
↪ Analyse the institutional, political and financial factors that influence entrepreneurship and access to finance.
↪ Examine the contribution of impact investing to development finance.
↪ Promote more efficient, inclusive and sustainable agricultural value chains.
↪ Inform public policy and the strategies of investors and development finance institutions.
FERDI examines the conditions that support the emergence, financing and growth of businesses in developing countries.
Its research focuses in particular on the interactions between the political environment, the functioning of financial markets and entrepreneurial dynamics. Recent work has examined the effects of elections and political change on business activity, access to credit and borrower behaviour.
>>Léon F., Weill L. (2026), “Do Elections Shape Firm Dynamics?”, Economic Systems, vol. 50(2).
FERDI has also conducted a study for the International Organisation of La Francophonie on high-growth-potential firms across the French-speaking world. The study identifies the characteristics of these businesses and the public policy levers that could support their development.
The Impact Investing Chair analyses investors’ strategies, the role of development finance institutions and the conditions required to generate measurable economic and social impact.
It maintains an original database covering nearly 250 funds active in Africa. Updated in 2025, this mapping exercise provides information on their “African footprint”, geographical areas of activity and target sectors. It offers an analytical tool for public decision-makers, development partners and investors.
The Chair also contributes to international debates on impact measurement, transparency of practices and the financing of African SMEs.
The Chair in Agricultural Modernisation Policies in Africa examines the conditions required for the sustainable transformation of agriculture, livestock farming and agro-industry.
Its work focuses on the development of value chains, the professionalisation of stakeholders, the coordination of public and private finance, and the design of blended finance instruments tailored to agricultural SMEs.
In 2025, the Chair notably examined agro-industrial value chains within WAEMU and the beef value chain in West Africa.
