Alongside the FCDO Global Partnerships Conference- which convened governments, civil society, investors, and development leaders to explore the future of partnerships, innovative finance, and locally led development- ADRA-UK was delighted to host a side event affiliated with the conference: Rebalancing Value Chains through Locally Led Social Business: From Margins to Markets.

The event explored how trade-based development, social enterprise and innovative finance can help reshape value chains so that smallholder farmers are not only included in markets, but are able to participate in and benefit more equitably from them. 

The discussion also highlighted case studies from ADRA’s GoodOne social business and partnerships in Ghana’s cashew sector, alongside cocoa initiatives in the Solomon Islands supporting framers through ADRA Australia- supported Social Business for Impact models. 

Speakers from across the ADRA Network, AFFORD, and ChangeMaker International shared valuable insights and practical reflections from Ghana, the Solomon Islands and beyond- helping to spark important conversations around catalytic capital, equitable partnerships, diaspora engagement and diaspora investment, and the future of locally led economic development.

Throughout the conversation, there was a strong emphasis on local leadership, community ownership, and partnership approaches that build more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable market systems. Guests also had the opportunity to sample GoodOne cashews and Foundry Chocolates made using cocoa beans sourced from ADRA-supported farmers in the Solomon Islands- bringing the discussion quite literally ” from margins to markets.”

A sincere thank you to all our participants, guests, and partners who joined us and contributed to such a rich and inspiring discussion.