Economy and Peacebuilding

Out of the shadows

Violent conflict and the real economy of Mindanao

International Alert recently launched a new book called Out of the shadows: Violent conflict and the real economy of Mindanao.

The book presents the results of research into the linkages between violent conflict and the informal or ‘shadow’ economy in Mindanao, the conflict-affected region in the southern Philippines.

Steven Schoofs
Thu, 14/02/2013

Business after conflict

Sustainable business and the bottom line

A fishing ship is loaded with clean containers for its next trip - Walvis Bay, Namibia. Photo by John Hogg/World BankLast year, staff from our economy and peacebuilding and international institutions teams attended the conference ‘Business after conflict: Investing in the new Africa’ in Nairobi, Kenya.

Sara Batmanglich, Senior Programme Officer
Thu, 24/01/2013

Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in Uganda

Zuleika Candan
October, 2012
International Alert
12 pages
London, UK
978-1-906677-36-7

The case of northern Uganda illustrates the difficulties of socio-economic reintegration faced not only by ex-combatants, but also by IDPs and war-affected youth in the post-conflict environment. It discusses the marginalisation of former abductees in particular, with a focus on the specific challenges that the reintegration process posed for girls and women. The study underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach, and of extending support to receiving communities so as to facilitate the return of former combatants and war-affected youth more generally.

The case study illustrates the difficulties of socio-economic reintegration faced by ex-combatants, young people and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the post-conflict environment of northern Uganda, and highlights the potential role of private sector actors in the process.

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Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in Nepal

Zuleika Candan
October, 2012
International Alert
10 pages
London, UK
978-1-906677-34-3

This case study discusses rehabilitation efforts in Nepal following the Comprehensive Peace Accord of 2006 and geared towards those ex-combatants who were either verified minors or late recruits (VMLRs). It examines the outcomes of the process and highlights the role that private sector actors can play in the socio-economic reintegration of ex-combatants.

This case study discusses the challenges of socio-economic rehabilitation of ex-combatants in Nepal, focusing on the role of the private sector.

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Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in Liberia

Zuleika Candan
October, 2012
International Alert
8 pages
London, UK
978-1-906677-35-0

Oversubscription, financial constraints, unrealistic timelines and a format transposed from other countries with insufficient consideration for the local context were some of the pitfalls of the disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration process in Liberia. This case study critically explores the effectiveness of the component geared towards providing ex-combatants with long-term livelihood opportunities and psycho-social support.

This case study looks at the rehabilitation of ex-combatants in Liberia, examining the effectivеness of providing livelihood opportunities and psycho-social support.

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Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in post-conflict environments

Case study series summary
International Alert
October, 2012
International Alert
6 pages
London, UK
978-1-906677-33-6

This report summarises the findings of a series of case studies which explore the socio-economic aspects of reintegration programmes for ex-combatants in a number of conflict-affected countries where International Alert works: Nepal, Liberia and

This report summarises the findings of a series of case studies which explore the socio-economic aspects of reintegration programmes for ex-combatants in Nepal, Liberia and Uganda.

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Conflict-sensitive business practices in Africa

Challenges and opportunities for companies

Zones affected by or prone to conflict pose major challenges to companies. If they make the wrong decisions, they risk disruption to their operations, expropriation of assets, currency restrictions, damage to their reputation and potential legal liabilities.

Zahed Yousuf, Senior Programme Officer
Mon, 29/10/2012

Business as an agent for peace

Exploring new opportunities for building peace in Pakistan

Business people in Karachi share their thoughts on peacebuilding and businessInternational Alert recently held a discussion in Karachi with members of the local business community on how business can contribute to building peace in Pakistan.

Rabia Nusrat
Mon, 01/10/2012

Marcher dans l’Obscurité

Le commerce informel transfrontalier dans la région des Grands Lacs
Kristof Titeca
avec Célestin Kimanuka
September, 2012
International Alert
56 pages
London, UK
978-1-906677-94-7

Ce rapport de recherche analyse les dynamiques du petit commerce transfrontalier au niveau des 3 frontières à l’Est de la RDC et entre le Burundi et le Rwanda, et propose des actions pour l’amélioration de ce commerce afin de faire avancer le pouvoir économique des femmes et, par là même, contribuer à la paix et à la sécurité dans la région.

Ce rapport de recherche analyse les dynamiques du petit commerce transfrontalier au niveau des 3 frontières à l’Est de la RDC et entre le Burundi et le Rwanda, et propose des actions pour l’amélioration de ce commerce afin de faire avancer le pouvoir économique des femmes et, par là même, contribuer à la paix et à la sécurité dans la région.

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Walking in the dark

Informal cross-border trade in the Great Lakes region
Kristof Titeca
with Célestin Kimanuka
September, 2012
International Alert
56 pages
London, UK
978-1-906677-93-0

This report analyses the dynamics of small cross-border trade in eastern DRC, and between Burundi and Rwanda, and ways to improve  such trade in order to advance the economic power of women, contributing to peace and security in the region.

This research report analyses the dynamics of small cross-border trade at three border points in eastern DRC, and between Burundi and Rwanda, and proposes actions to improve this trade in order to advance the economic power of women and, in so doing, contribute to peace and security in the region. The report is part of an International Alert project aiming to strengthen the business environment of (mostly) female small traders and create opportunities for dialogue and rapprochement between traders and the authorities of the countries concerned. The research is used as an instrument for female traders in campaigns to raise awareness at the four border locations concerned.

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Peace through profit

Peacebuilding through corporate social responsibility in Pakistan

Discussing CSR in PakistanInternational Alert recently took part in a public seminar in Islamabad, Pakistan on peacebuilding through corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The seminar looked at whether businesses are seen by the public as agents of peace or drivers of conflict in Pakistan, and built on our worldwide experiences of engaging with the private sector on peacebuilding.

Rabia Nusrat – Senior Programme Officer, Pakistan
Thu, 30/08/2012

Heritage Oil arbitration case in London deprives Ugandan citizens of right to information

Joint press release

International Alert started working with local organisations in Uganda’s oil regions in 2008, to promote greater awareness and understanding about the oil sector.

Improved information flow between local communities, the government and oil companies is crucial in promoting transparency in the sector, minimising the harmful potential for escalating rumours and fears.

In support of its wider objective to harness the potential of oil to contribute to peace and development in Uganda, Alert has therefore jointly signed the following statement:

Richard Businge, Country Manager Uganda
Wed, 29/08/2012

An Investment Tab launched to support regional entrepreneurs

Promoting entrepreneurship and investment in Sri Lanka

International Alert Sri Lanka, along with our partners the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Youth Business Sri Lanka (YBSL) launched the “Investment Tab” of the Regional Enterprise Development Initiative (REDI) on 10th July 2012. It is a web-based portal to encourage and enable regional entrepreneurs who want to start their own business, but do not have sufficient funding or access to markets and investors to do so. It is also meant for potential investors and partners, including from the Sri Lankan diaspora, to access information about local market opportunities.

Mais Yacoub
Mon, 23/07/2012

South Caucasian beekeepers’ visit to Kars, Turkey

Strengthening regional cooperation

From 19th to 22nd of July 2012, International Alert and Caucasus Business and Development Network (CBDN) organised a cross-learning trip of South Caucasian beekeepers to Kars, Turkey. The trip was part of CBDN’s ongoing work in this sector, which aims to promote and strengthen regional cooperation among beekeepers in the South Caucasus.

Gulru Nabieva
Mon, 30/07/2012

Business for peace

Dialogue between business communities

From Alert's 2011 Annual Report

Tue, 26/06/2012
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