Caroline Ashley

Executive Editor, Practitioner Hub for Inclusive Business

Caroline is an international expert on the contributions that business makes to development. She facilitates and analyzes inclusive business – commercially sound business that tangibly involves people at the base of the pyramid. Caroline has been responsible for tracking results and drawing out lessons from inclusive business portfolios that span hundreds of businesses in Africa and Asia. She is also Results Director of Connect to Grow, and Founder Director of Ashley Insight Ltd.

Products from Akay Flavors & Aromatics, an inclusive business company in India.

Tackling the risk or ‘perceived risk’ of inclusive business investments

When risk mitigation processes are put in place, inclusive business deals are no more risky than other investments – it’s is just a different kind of risk.

Armin Bauer, Caroline Ashley

ADB seal outside ADB headquarters in Manila.

The unique role of development banks in inclusive business

Development finance institutions can support inclusive business, but mainly as brokers to build an enabling environment for companies that want to provide profitable, long-term solutions to serve the needs of the poor.

Caroline Ashley