Publications

African tech hubs – now more than 1000 across the continent – accelerate digital, social and economic transformation as they support start-ups.   The report examines the COVID-19 impact on tech hubs and offers recommendations for future operations. It surveys 52 tech hubs across...

Exporting responsibly sourced high-value-added wood products from South-East Asia, including the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, can drive economic growth. Rising demand for timber in Europe offers opportunities for small to medium-sized producers. Strengthening the regional wood-processing...

The coffee sector has a huge potential to contribute to poverty alleviation in East Africa, but the sector’s development is hampered by a lack of savings and credit facilities. Moreover, women’s access to financial services is even more restricted than that of men, and most women in rural areas...

Companies in 16 French-speaking African countries are more likely to export when they comply with international standards, according to a joint survey by ITC and the Permanent Conference of African and Francophone Consular Chambers (CPCCAF). Among 9,000 firms surveyed, only 25% have an...

A comprehensive guide to the fast-growing field of Islamic banking, this publication describes Islamic financial instruments and provides practical examples of how to use them. It focuses on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the area of export finance.

Countries have room for export growth in non-traditional markets, according to an ITC assessment of 64 developing countries’ export opportunities in European, South-South and regional markets. African and Latin American countries find potential to export ‘traditional’ products (like fruits,...

Part of ITC’s Trade Secrets series, this book provides extensive information, resources and advice on electronic commerce. The guide’s question and answer format allows users to focus on areas of particular interest, while at the same time covering the myriad issues linked to selling and buying...

This guide helps small exporters understand how to obtain finance, outlining the credit process of financial institutions, pre-application preparation, finding appropriate lenders and loan repayment. Models for business plans and loan requests are included. The guide also examines barriers to...

Digitalization and the rise of the platform economy are rapidly changing the way in which firms do business. A strong business ecosystem is necessary to manage this change. This year’s SME Competitiveness Outlook tells how to build it.