Impact.

Economic and social development go hand in hand and form the basis for peace, freedom and prosperity. ICEP works for a globalization from which all people can benefit.

ICEP brings people to business and business to the people.

Better farmers

ICEP gives women and men in developing countries new incomes opportunities and perspectives for a dignified life in rural areas.

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Better employees

ICEP helps youths and adults in developing countries to improve their chances of employment and better and regular income.

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Better entrepreneurs

ICEP supports entrepreneurs in developing countries to persevere on the market and to expand their enterprises.

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More business

ICEP fixates the importance of business for global development in the awareness of business, politics and the public.

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More responsibility

ICEP provides companies with new perceptions on opportunities and challenges in emerging and developing countries.

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Sarah, farmer

Better farmers

ICEP seeks to develop efficient agricultural structures that help small farmers to obtain higher added value with their farms.

Sustainably increase productivity and improve market access

With modern agricultural methods, both in cultivation and husbandry, small farmers are improving the quality and quantity of their agricultural production, contributing to the preservation of local ecosystems and are better prepared for natural disasters. Basic entrepreneurial knowledge allows small farmers and agricultural cooperatives to use their resources efficiently, develop marketing strategies and sell their products better.

Perspectives for a life in rural areas

ICEP also seeks to create alternative income generating opportunities outside agriculture in pre- and post agrarian industries, in services and in crafts. The work of ICEP offers people in rural areas the opportunity to develop economically and to recognize prospects for a dignified life in the countryside.

Sustainably against natural catastrophes

„I have benefited a lot from training for reforestation. Now I know how I can prevent landslides on my field and my crop yields are also higher.“

Urbano Agustin

Farmer, Guatemala

Higher environmental awareness through training

„Regular training is essential for us and our employees. In this way, also our children grow up in a sustainable environment. I am proud of that!“

Maria Elena Espinoza Ávila

Farmer, Mexico

Sustainable changes of life through education

„My education has changed my life sustainably – I can now even finance the schooling of my brothers so they may have a better future!“

Peris Wanjiku

farmer & teacher, Kenya

How we achieve Impact:

In rural development, ICEP is currently working in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, Kenya and Brazil. On the other hand, ICEP implements projects with international foundations and private donors. On the other hand, we support and assist companies in the integration of farmers into their value chain – currently with an Austrian food company in Mexico and Fiji.

Training program in Kenya
In rural areas in northern Kenya, a comprehensive training program has been launched to open income generating opportunities for the local population in the areas of adapted agriculture, community ecotourism and small trade. A revolving fund offers the possibility of micro financing. As a next topic, the marketing of the various products of the local population will be improved.
Certification of farms, Mexico
In Mexico, supply farms of strawberries, blackberries and mangos have introduced the Rainforest Alliance seal of approval and implemented the certification criteria. In addition to improving the labour certification of Mexican fruit farms and social standards for around 1,000 farm workers, the project also included the introduction of sustainable cultivation methods: all fields were equipped with natural fences, beneficial plants, pesticide storage sites, waste separation systems, showers and toilets. In a further phase, the farmer training will be deepened and the approach in the region institutionalized.
Harvest yields in Guatemala
In the western highlands of Guatemala, the improvement of agricultural cultivation methods and the implementation of irrigation systems have led to a sustained increase in the harvest yields of 1,600 smallholder families. Furthermore, the population was trained in nutrition and health issues and the storage of foodstuffs was improved. In order to provide obtained results in food security with an additional level of sustainability, agrarian trainers and health ministers were trained in several municipalities throughout the region.

Our impact in numbers

Support for farmer families with or project partner Cenade in Nicaragua 2010-2012

trained farmer families

Cost of training per farmer

established farmer cooperatives

%

Ø income increase per farmer by end of project

Maria Reyna, hairdresser

Better employees

ICEP provides youths in developing countries with better opportunities for employment and income through vocational training.

Orientating training along market demand

This is mainly about strengthening the capacities of vocational training centres, orienting the training they provide on market demand and improving the cooperation with companies and the public sector. The integration of international companies into local vocational education and training systems is a particularly effective lever for ICEP to achieve more and better employment in a region.

Training for men and women in the informal sector

A second objective of the work of ICEP is to provide affordable qualification services for men and women who need to secure their livelihoods in the informal sector, which is usually dominant in developing countries.

Dual training as a benefit

„The dual vocational training program has made me a competent toolmaker and greatly increased my chances for the future!“

Juan Fernando Sanchez

Tool locksmith, Mexico

Focus on the career

„Before I can start my own family, my first priority is to learn a real job so I can stand on my own two feet! The training counts a lot for me!“

Janet Murikia Wambui

Receptionist, Kenya

The basis for my own business

„Through the support and exchange with other entrepreneurs, I get a lot of ideas that I can implement in my own company!”

James Mwangi Muchinga

Mechanic, Kenya

How we achieve Impact:

ICEP is implementing vocational training projects around the world. The current ICEP program with the Austrian Development Agency is aimed at improving vocational training opportunities in Kenya and Uganda. In Mexico and Turkey, ICEP currently supports two Austrian companies in setting up dual training programs at their production sites.

Tourism training in Guatemala
In Quetzaltenango in Guatemala, a hand-on training program was launched in the tourism sector, in which young people received training in the areas of hospitality and gastronomy as well as adventure tourism. A tourism information centre with a connected café and artisan shop, lets youths apply their newly acquired knowledge. In addition, a job exchange for tourism has been set up to assist youths in their search for suitable jobs.
Dual education program in Mexico
In the state of Coahuila in Mexico, ICEP developed, on behalf of the refractory company RHI AG and in co-operation with, among others, the local industry association, a technical vocational training methodology, which is in line with the needs of the industry. In addition to the courses for industrial mechanics and electricians, it also focuses on training teachers and in-house trainers. In addition to RHI, which trains four apprentices in Saltillo, more than 20 companies have joined the initiative. The program reached more than 250 apprentices after two years.
Training workshops in San Salvador
In Cabañas in El Salvador, ICEP launched a program with his partner Moje to provide youths with perspectives in the labour market. 700 young people took up the training offered. The training centres of Moje in Illobasco have been equipped with new equipment, training capacities expanded and courses revised and aligned more closely to local demand. In addition, the private sector could be brought on board and is now providing youths with internships in which they gain important practical experience.

Our impact in numbers

Vocational training for women and youths with project partner Imani in Kenya (2011-2014)

Women and young people who have been trained

of those received a post-employment contract

Small businesses were founded

average investment per training

Peter, electrician

Better entrepreneurs

Enterprises are the engine for private sector development and job creation.

Business training and access to finance

ICEP supports people in developing countries with entrepreneurial training, strategic consulting and access to finance to recognize and exploit market and business opportunities and to successfully run their own businesses.

Strengthening competitiveness

In addition to assisting start-ups in consolidating their businesses, ICEP seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of established small businesses. In order to improve the supply of goods and services, to deepen local production structures and to create more employment, the promotion of high-growth small and medium-sized enterprises is of central importance.

Fit for new challenges

„Because of the training, I can better deal with the challenges that come to me through my company. I am very glad to have support!“

Doris Adelaida López

Seamstress, Guatemala

Provide better medical care

„I am confident after the course. My next goal is to open a health post in Kikuyu Town to provide medical care to people in this region!“

Jane Njeri Muchiri

Nurse, Kenya

Dream of own business was fulfilled

„After successfully building my business, I would like to give young people a chance to gain experience in my business.“

Omwenga Ngoko

Entrepreneur, Kenya

How we achieve Impact:

ICEP projects are carried out in Kenya, Cameroon, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. The “WorldWideWoman” program seeks to support women entrepreneurs. With ISBI in Kenya, ICEP is currently pursuing a market-based financing approach for small businesses that are already in the start-up phase.

Expansion of business centres in Cameroon
In Cameroon, existing business centres were expanded in the cities of Douala and Yaoundé and a new one started in the rural region of Bafoussam. The training materials for micro-entrepreneurs have been professionalized and adapted to the rural context for Bafoussam. Every year, nearly 1,000 small-scale entrepreneurs attend courses at the three business centres on topics such as accounting, customer relations, tax, investment and marketing.
Entrepreneurship in Kyrgyzstan
ICEP supported its Kyrgyz partner Erayim in expanding their service provision by introducing qualified entrepreneurial training and in establishing itself as a microfinance organization so as to provide groups with access to more investment capital. In this way, a micro-credit fund was set up to provide loans to members of self-help groups. Through the combination of entrepreneurial training and access to capital, over 300 entrepreneurs were able to establish and expand their businesses.
Women's empowerment in Kenya
ICEP and its partner Kianda started the Kimlea Business Center in Limuru, Kenya. The focus is to provide support in three areas. Firstly, training in business management, such as selection criteria for employees and their payment. The entrepreneurs also gain insight into simple tool for corporate controlling to distinguish between profitable and unprofitable products. And thirdly, women can improve their technical skills to optimize the quality and the supply of their products.

Our impact in numbers

Company-oriented training of women in rural areas in Kenya with project partner Kianda 2013-2016

Direct beneficiaries

%

could at least double their annual income

new jobs have been created

Investment per trained micro-entrepreneur

Stephen, carpenter

More business

ICEP supports entrepreneurs in developing countries to prevail in the market and to expand their enterprises.

Businesses: Engines for development

With the corporAID platform, we seek to identify synergies between development cooperation and the private sector, to establish a common understanding of business and development in Austria and to strengthen programs of economic development cooperation. On the other hand, ICEP highlights the economic and social opportunities of globalization, brings emerging markets and, in particular, Africa as a market into the public consciousness more strongly and works to ensure that the Austrian private sector plays a stronger role in developing countries.

Enhancing role and interests of the business sector

Ultimately, ICEP advocates a holistic foreign economic and development strategy that clearly defines legitimate interests and thereby allows Austria, with its many first-rate companies, to participate in and sustainably contribute to global development.

corporAID is pushing the business sector

“With the corporAID platform and its instruments such as the magazine, ICEP makes an important contribution to the understanding of business and development in Austria”

Walter Koren

Head, Advantage Austria, Federal Economic Chamber

Promoting sustainable economic development

“With corporAID, ICEP significantly contributes to sustainable, economic development visible and gives provides inputs on how this challenge can be addressed”

Sabine Gaber

Director, Austrian Development Bank, OeEB

corporAID illustrates the potential of emerging markets

“corporAID draws attention to growth markets of the future and shows how win-win situations for companies and people in emerging markets can be realized.”

Heinz Messinger

Managing Director, AME International

How we achieve Impact:

It is difficult to raise awareness on a topic. However, it cannot be ignored that, because of the corporAID platform, something is happening.

corporAID wins top manager for the topic.
The corporAID magazine features a big interview with a CEO of an Austrian company every two months. More than 50 top managers have in long, personal conversations discussed questions regarding sustainable development and a responsible design of globalization. Often these interviews have triggered something within the company.
BusinessGuide on developing countries
The BusinessGuide developing countries, published by ICEP 2010 in a second edition, shows a wide range of support opportunities that help Austrian companies to take their first steps in developing countries. The compact and clear handbook also provides an overview of the most important initiatives and contacts for companies.
ICEP gets involved in consultations.
In 2015 ICEP supported the importance of the business for global development processes during the consultation process for the new three-year program of the Austrian Development Policy. The strategic document has recognized the business sector as a strong partner for development. In 2015, also European good practice on the subject of import promotion was presented and stakeholders discussed Austria’s connection capacity.

Our impact in numbers

Promotion of an institutional economic development dialogue in Austria 2012-2015

Involved ministries and social partners

involved companies with sales exceeding 50 million

discussions and working groups

Programs that have been co-initiated

Bernard, cook

More responsibility

ICEP opens up new perspectives on opportunities and challenges for companies in emerging and developing countries. And it shows how innovative solutions for sustainable global development that can benefit everyone can be created through business-oriented development cooperation and entrepreneurial responsibility.

Positive framework for global CSR

With corporAID, ICEP has fixated business and development as a logical alliance for global responsibility in Austria. ICEP seeks to ensure that sustainable management becomes mainstream also for Austrian companies active in emerging and developing countries, and is committed to creating a positive framework for global CSR activities.

We support and accompany companies

In the end, we help companies translate global CSR from theory into their own business practice, and accompany companies in the implementation of projects with added value in emerging and developing countries – for the benefit of the company and people in emerging and developing countries.

Guidance and advice in the area of global CSR

„With corporAID, ICEP has accompanied the development of Corporate Social Responsibility in Austria in a committed and competent way.“

Christian Friesl

Director, Association of Industry

Valuable impulses in times of globalization

„We share the concerns of ICEP because, in times of globalization, it is becoming increasingly important to tackle global problems together.”

Ulrike Middelhoff

Sustainability Manager, Agrana Beteiligungs-AG

Partnerships between business and civil society

“For the last 10 years corporAID has been the voice bringing together business, development and global responsibility in Austria.”

Lord Michael Hastings

Global Head of Citizenship, KPMG

How we achieve impact:

Putting issues into practice – that’s what ICEP intends to achieve with the corporAID platform. In terms of consulting, ICEP currently supports eight companies in their efforts to generate more in global business.

Development know-how for employees in companies
In June 2016, experts and actors from companies, development cooperation and academia gave, in an interesting mix of inputs, discussions and group work, insights into the interfaces between business and society in emerging and developing countries in a seminar entitled “Putting Global Responsibility into Practice.” Case studies were used to highlight the success factors for the design and implementation of CSR project with strong impact.
ICEP supports the training of professionals in Mexico
For several years, ICEP has been working intensively on vocational education and training in emerging and developing countries. Since 2013, ICEP has been supporting RHI as part of an ADA Buisness Partnership to implement a dual training program at its production sites in Mexico and Turkey. The paper and packaging manufacturer Mondi also launched a project in Monterrey in August 2014. This also inspired the domestic plastic manufacturer Senoplast, who commissioned ICEP to conduct a feasibility study in Querétaro in March.
CEP accompanies the implementation of standards
Sustainable value chains, transparency and high environmental and social standards are increasingly in demand, but the implementation of this creates new challenges, especially in upstream supply chains in emerging and developing countries. It is precisely at this interface that ICEP has been cooperating with the domestic sugar, starch and fruit company Agrana in Mexico since 2013, and in Fiji since 2014 – linking economic interests of the company with a sustainable development contribution in the region.

Our impact in numbers

Business partnerships with RHI and Mondi in Saltillo and Monterrey in Mexico 2013 to 2015

involved local companies

trained teachers of vocational school

youths who received an apprenticeship

Trained apprentice trainers within companies

ICEP

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E icep[at]icep.at

 

 

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