Development interventions can help prevent, transform or overcome conflicts, but at the same time they can cause, trigger or aggravate conflicts. Since development interventions always have an impact on conflict – either positive or negative - Private Sector Development (PSD) in conflict or post-conflict situations cannot be planned and implemented in the same manner as in peaceful countries.

For a number of years now, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH has been at the forefront of implementing Private Sector Development Programmes in conflict and post-conflict countries. The lessons learned in the process of implementation have been documented and analysed by several GTZ projects executed on behalf of the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). As a result, GTZ will soon publish a Guidebook titled “Private Sector Development in (Post-) Conflict Situations”. This publication provides a detailed account of the current know-how on the respective topic.

In addition, this platform has been established as a dynamic space offering practical advice, tools and project examples to economic development experts working in conflict or post-conflict situations. While we have collected a lot of material and first hand experiences we would greatly appreciate your feedback and contributions.