Private sector development in fragile states: a peacebuilding approach

This policy brief explores ways that the UN Peacebuilding Commission can promote international private sector development policies and programmes.

Private sector development (PSD) in fragile and conflict-affected states often replicates past dynamics that led to social divides, conflict and violence. It undermines peacebuilding, state building and human development goals. The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission can help PSD promote national reconciliation and peaceful development. To do so, it must approach PSD as a process of building broad-based social and political consensus on economic matters – and as a peacebuilding process that requires ongoing support.

About the author

Professor Brian Ganson heads the Africa Centre for Dispute Settlement (ACDS) at the University of Stellenbosch Business School, a hub for research and reflection at the nexus of the private sector, conflict and peaceful development. ACDS partners with the Institute for Security Studies on issues related to private sector development and peacebuilding.

Photo: MINUSMA/Harandane Dicko