Martin Webber

Martin Webber MartinMartin Webber is an expert in competitiveness strategy, value chain competitiveness, agribusiness and enterprise development. He is the principal author of the World Bank’s Guide to Value Chain Concepts and Applications – Building Competitiveness in Africa’s Agriculture, which has emerged as a key reference document and curriculum component worldwide. He was part of a team that developed and introduced competitiveness approaches to USAID, and has worked on competitiveness and investment themes throughout the world. Webber has worked in more than 60 countries, providing analysis, planning, technical assistance, advisory services and implementation to improve business and value chain performance, improve national and sub-national capacities, and improve the competitiveness of agribusiness, service and manufacturing sectors. He has worked in many agricultural, agribusiness, animal industry and agro-industrial systems, as well as in dozens of manufacturing and service sectors. He has developed several diagnostic and strategic planning tools that are widely implemented in the industry, including the MEASURE methodology, used to understand business decision-making responses to changes in the enabling environment; value-chain-based approaches to investment; and IFC’s value-chain based approach to investment in agriculture. He has lectured and presented at numerous schools and forums. Webber is originally from Montreal, Canada, where he maintains strong ties. He lived for extended periods in West Africa (Senegal) and East Africa (Kenya). He is co-owner of J.E. Austin Associates (www.jeaustin.com), a Washington-based consulting firm. Through 600 assignments in more than 125 countries, J.E. Austin’s mission has always been to help populations to increase their wealth and well-being through productive, responsible business activity. The company believes that good strategy, market linkage, entrepreneurship and innovation, well-selected entry points and empowered implementation by stakeholders can jump-start a virtuous circle of investment, market success and competitiveness. This success will benefit millions of people.