International Development Enterprises (iDE)

About Us

Since 1984, iDE has been fostering private sector engagement to uplift low-income and marginalized communities, aiming to enhance their income, livelihood, and overall well-being. Despite significant progress in reducing poverty rates in Bangladesh—from 57 percent in 1990 to 25.6 percent in 2014—the country continues to grapple with challenges related to food security and agricultural productivity.Bangladesh faces an agricultural labor shortage, exacerbated by urban migration...

Since 1984, iDE has been fostering private sector engagement to uplift low-income and marginalized communities, aiming to enhance their income, livelihood, and overall well-being. Despite significant progress in reducing poverty rates in Bangladesh—from 57 percent in 1990 to 25.6 percent in 2014—the country continues to grapple with challenges related to food security and agricultural productivity.Bangladesh faces an agricultural labor shortage, exacerbated by urban migration trends, leading to a four-fold increase in labor costs over the past decade. Additionally, despite strides in public health, nearly half of the population lacks access to hygienic sanitation facilities and safe drinking water, resulting in health-related losses estimated at $4 billion, equivalent to more than 5 percent of total GDP.To empower entrepreneurs in the developing world, it is crucial to cultivate economically competitive, inclusive, and resilient market ecosystems. By engaging with all stakeholders—including producers, suppliers, retailers, and customers—we can address critical bottlenecks and develop sustainable solutions that withstand challenges such as conflict or changing climates.