Sasol, CCI and UNDP to promote inclusive business models

Through this partnership, Sasol will contribute US$135,000 in funding to support the sustainability of three development initiatives within the joint UNDP-CCI project “Business Forum of Uzbekistan - Phase II”. These initiatives have demonstrated how entrepreneurs and small businesses, using inclusive business models, receiving financial support and working in direct partnership with beneficiaries, can accelerate local development.

The significant financial assistance provided by Sasol will support the expansion of three targeted inclusive businesses. Sasol’s assistance will firstly increase the number of workplaces available at a social enterprise in Khorezm region that teaches traditional handicraft techniques and provides jobs for previously- unemployed women.

Secondly, the assistance will help create a milk collection centre in Tashkent region, modelled after a similar operation in the Namangan region, that will purchase the milk of local farmers and households and provide them with a constant source of income.

Last but not least. Sasol will help expand the coverage of waste management company in the Tashkent region that has maintained the cleanliness and health of its neighbouring community.

The cooperation of Sasol, CCI and UNDP will support the continued adoption of inclusive business models throughout Uzbekistan, assist entrepreneurs in supporting community development, and expand alternative income sources for vulnerable population groups in rural areas.

This partnership serves as an example of how the private sector can be involved in creating new jobs, and in ensuring the speedy achievement of the eight Millennium Development Goals by the 2015 deadline.