"Economic growth unsustainable if it excludes poor majority"

There has been a discernible shift in global economic thinking towards a development model that fosters inclusive growth. This new paradigm argues that economic growth is unsustainable if it excludes the poor majority. And that business and other economic agents should embrace inclusive growth as a fundamental operating principle.

Building on this idea elicits yet another interesting dimension—that economic and business value chains can be a potentially powerful catalyst for achieving and sustaining inclusive economic growth. This envisions creating business models that not only target low-income communities as a distinct market segment but also integrate them into the business value chain...Businesses have a role in creating an inclusive and equitable economy. This entails building business value chains that ensure access to goods and services by low income communities and creating livelihood opportunities for them...

In 2004, EABL through its subsidiary, Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), introduced the Senator keg beer in the local market...By spotting a ready low-income market for affordable beer and roping in farmers in poor rural communities, KBL has been able to create an expansive value chain that did not exist before 2004.