This multimedia case tells the story of three groups of IE International MBA students who embarked on volunteer and research projects in Ethiopia. The first phase involved students staying and working in an NGO in Dilla whilst researching the three pillars of poverty: health nutrition and education. The second stage will look at the opportunities to do business in Ethiopia and the final phase plans to focus on attracting foreign investment to the country.

The students' experiences are brought to life through images and video interviews. The conclusion section for the first phase considers whether NGOs can solve the problems in Ethiopia and possible solutions to the poverty trap.

What is it like to live and do business at the base of the pyramid? This multimedia is the second part in a series of reports from students who have spent time living, working and volunteering in Ethiopia.

This installment focuses on the different types of businesses that exist and operate in the East African country and begins to explore both the opportunities and challenges that business owners face. Here we display the first-hand accounts from those who have spent time in large and small companies and can relay the challenges of doing business in the bottom of the pyramid.

The students´ experiences are brought to life through images and video interviews. The conclusion posing the ultimate question: Can money be made doing business at the bottom of the pyramid?