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Using Platforms to Gain Scale in BoP Markets (Part 1of 3) – By Francisco Mej?a and Manuel Bueno
Achieving scale is essential for BoP firms to maximize social impact. In this first of a series of three, we explain how platforms offer two very useful characteristics for incoming firms with a pre-defined business model wishing to gain scale rapidly: accessibility and information about BoP customers.
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Bridging the Communication Gap in Uganda: Appfrica Labs
When the subject of successful, scalable BoP models comes up, two will inevitably be cited: mobile telecommunications and microfinance (ala Grameen). While the reach of cell phones at the BoP is indeed widespread and impressive, one still has to consider what the barriers to access are for this technology and its ancillary, the internet.
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Roundup from Ghana: International Development Design Summit and Maker Faire Africa
"I cannot miss this again next year", I thought around this time last year after reading Rob’s great piece about his day at the International Development Design Summit, which took place in the MIT campus in Cambridge. I promised I wouldn’t let IDDS fall off my radar in 2009.
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Reality TV for the BoP: Development Idol
In an effort to frame the debate and discussion regarding scale versus just about everything else, NextBillion is pleased to bring you the first and perhaps the last episode of a new reality series, "Development Idol". All characters, especially the one with a real name, are fictional...
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Introducing Staff Writer Phil LaRocco
The NextBillion.net team is proud to announce the addition of our newest member: Staff Writer Phil LaRocco. Phil is the founder of E+Co, the leading practitioner of the enterprise-centered model of investing in energy businesses in developing countries. Until his retirement in April 2009, LaRocco also served as E+Co’s Executive Director and CEO.
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Legatum Center Photo Contest Now Accepting Submissions
In contrast with images that show only the most devastating aspects of life in low-income countries, Legatum’s contest looks for photos that capture stories of entrepreneurial activity and demonstrate innovation and empowerment. The contest helps Legatum present a new vision for development ? one that is more dignified, one that is more...
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Who’s Going to SOCAP 09? Gil Crawford from Microvest Capital Management
Like Alvaro Rodriguez, Gil Crawford will be at the Social Capital Markets Conference this coming September. Mr. Crawford is the Chief Executive Officer of MicroVest Capital Management. He has over 20 years experience with microfinance institutions and capital markets, and has worked extensively in Latin America and Africa, as well as in Asia.
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Beyond the Grid – Connecting the Roma in Bulgaria
In 2004 a colleague tried entering a caf? in Pazardjik, a Bulgarian town located on the old Orient Express train line between Istanbul and Sofia. As an American whose family originally hailed from India, she didn?t have time to say a word before the proprietor shuttled her out the door. It was a case of mistaken identity - the owner thought
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