Business in challenging markets: Viva Ona Bartkus on building businesses in fragile economies by Devex | Global Development

Summary
Discover why "business as usual" fails in the world's toughest places. Viva Ona Bartkus sits down with Raj Kumar to reveal the counterintuitive tactics that unlock massive opportunities where others fear to tread. Learn why:
The most successful security strategy isn't higher walls – it's community ownership
How to turn "middlemen with guns" into business partners
Why Chinese companies are winning while Western firms hesitate
Plus: The radical partnership model that's transforming dangerous markets from Uganda to Colombia. Bartkus shares explosive insights from 15+ years working with multinationals, Special Forces, and local communities in conflict zones.
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Chapters
00:00
Embedding Business in Local Communities
01:53
The Journey to Frontline Markets
07:02
Understanding Market Dynamics
11:18
The Role of Middlemen in Local Economies
12:45
Security Through Community Engagement
16:14
The Next Round of Globalization
20:02
The Competitive Landscape of Global Investment
23:42
Collaboration Between Security and Development
25:28
Bridging the Gap Between Business and Humanitarian Efforts
28:41
The Role of ESG in Business Strategies
31:17
Adapting Business Models for Extractive Industries
36:43
The Future of Development Finance
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