Under Phase I of this DFID-World Bank project, Nathan London analyzed the competitiveness and productivity of the cattle, copper mining, and copper fabrication industries, identifying constraints on firm-level competitiveness and determining practical steps for improving it.

Our analysis applied the Porter Diamond methodology, supplemented by other approaches, including the making markets work for the poor (M4P) approach, and involved quantitative and qualitative measures of productivity and competitiveness. Our experts

• Analyzed industry productivity
• Collected quantitative and qualitative data through interviews with firms, industry groups, and other stakeholders
• Identified business models that could help some firms overcome constraints and practical steps for raising competitiveness
• Facilitated three consultative meetings with industry groups and stakeholders to initiate dialogue on competitiveness, and to discuss recommended actions.

Our study informed later phases of the project and was formally praised by Zambia’s Ministry of Finance and National Planning, which intends to draw from it in contributing to the country’s Sixth National Development Plan and the 2011-2013 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.