Latest
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Agency Banking and Off-Grid Energy: Banking the Unbanked Through Solar
In rural Africa, off-grid renewable energy products are gaining momentum - but their upfront cost can make them inaccessible to low-income customers. Commercial banks have struggled to penetrate these markets, but Thelma Obiakor at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa explains that this is now changing. Thanks to agency banking, financial services and solar companies are providing a bridge to both energy access and greater financial inclusion.
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Unicorns vs. Camels: Three Lessons for Building Resilient Businesses – Despite the COVID-19 Crisis
As COVID-19 continues to transform the global economy, many businesses are shifting towards safety and longer-term thinking. But as Alex Lazarow at Cathay Innovation points out, many social entrepreneurs have been building sustainability and resilience into their business models from day one. He contrasts the approach of these "camels" to the growth-at-all-costs model common among "unicorns."
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Entrepreneurship
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Why the George Floyd Protests Won’t Change the World – Unless They Change White People
The George Floyd protests have sparked calls for solidarity – from the business sector and individuals and governments around the world. But NextBillion editor James Militzer argues that it’s easy to issue a supportive statement or make a modest CSR commitment to diversity – but it’s a lot harder for those with power and money to make the sacrifices necessary for lasting change.
- Categories
- Entrepreneurship, NextBillion Originals
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From Student to Entrepreneur: 18 Tips for Starting a Career in Social Impact
Each year, hundreds (if not thousands) of engaged students eagerly learn the art of social change. But does a career in social impact really begin in the classroom, or out in the “real world?” Long-term social entrepreneur Ken Banks shares a few of the lessons he has learned in practice, which could help students and others start their careers in social innovation.
- Categories
- Entrepreneurship
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Four Lessons Utility Providers Can Learn from the Financial Inclusion Sector
Over 1 billion people lack reliable access to essential services like sanitation, potable water and electricity - and reaching them remains a stubborn challenge. But as Jacob Winiecki and Malika Anand at BFA point out, the financial inclusion industry has learned a lot about how to serve low-income customers in remote communities. They share four key lessons in this thought-provoking article.
