Local Economic Development (LED)

Local economic development (LED) is seen as one of the most important ways of decreasing poverty. LED aims to create jobs by making the local economy grow and become more competitive.

Lazarus Developments evaluates economic development programs, assesses local economic conditions and analyses market opportunities to design improved strategic plans for future economic growth and development. Our studies include analysis of the past economic impacts and performance, as well as assessment of future potential impacts and opportunities for economic development. Our Local Economic Development Services thus span a range of applications:

Monitoring and Evaluation

Government departments, foreign donors and development finance institutions (DFIs) spend billions of Rands in sub-Saharan Africa every year, using a variety of financial instruments. It is important, but at the same time difficult, to assess the developmental impact associated with these investments. However, robust, independent evaluation of programmes and projects is fundamental to the effective design of donor programmes, and to spending and investing developmental funds more strategically. Evaluation of development programmes provides information about what works, what does not and why. This learning contributes to improving the development effectiveness of spending and helps hold donors and funding agents accountable for results. Lazarus Developments carries out independent audits and assessments of governmental, donor and DFI programmes, examining the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and added value of grant programmes and development finance investments. These include detailed monitoring and evaluations of projects in the field.

Business Development

Lazarus Development helps governmental, non-governmental organisations and private businesses alike to become more competitive by providing them with the knowledge, tools and skills to improve the quality of their services. Our experts advise and support clients with the most cost-effective way to develop business and to use new marketing tools.

Our services seeks through a combination of advisory and capacity building services, to strengthen local capacities for the creation and continuous strengthening of a business environment that would allow the private sector to make a greater contribution to growth, employment and income generation. One such activity is the development of clusters and business linkages. This entails the provision of assistance in designing and implementing cluster development strategies and initiatives aimed at promoting local economic systems where firms can network, complement their capabilities, and increase their access to resources and markets within a conducive institutional environment.