Origo works to build businesses that are powerful economic engines, environmental assets, and socially valuable resources.

Our hybrid structure consists of:

A non-profit Institute, which carries out research, events, and a newsletter on cross-sector issues for the public benefit.

Origo Consulting provides business advice to those seeking to build socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable businesses in emerging markets.

Origo Incubator initiates and implements projects at the intersection of business and social innovation.

Origo has a team of approximately 15 people, most of whom are based at its headquarters in San Francisco, California.

enterprise and employment

Origo organises events and learning journeys in Africa to help foster business development at the local level, and to facilitate partnerships among private sector players that will catalyse economic growth.

In 2005, Origo organised a learning journey in Morocco, in collaboration with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, which brought business leaders from Europe and the US to Africa to meet with innovative business leaders there.

perceptions of africa

Origo publishes reports and white papers highlighting the opportunities and the positive impacts of private sector involvement in Africa. For example, we researched and co-wrote with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development the following publications: “Doing Business with the Poor: a Field Guide”, “Finding Capital for Sustainable Livelihoods Businesses” and “A Business Guide to Development Actors”.

In addition, through the Origo Cross-Sector News newsletter and affiliated website, we disseminate information on “Base of the Pyramid” business opportunities in Africa and elsewhere, governance and accountability, and cross-sector collaboration, among other themes.