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Press Release: Impact of COVID-19 on the Online Payment Methods Market in the Middle East & Africa
According to the report, cash on delivery was the leading payment method preferred by online shoppers in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and other countries in this region, as of 2019. The COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, however, is changing this perspective.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Technology
- Region
- North Africa & Near East
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An Unlikely Mobile Money Success Story: How Somalia’s Civil War Laid the Foundation for a Cashless Society
Somalia has been ravaged by civil war, and the repercussions of the conflict continue to this day. Yet out of this violence and economic turmoil, a thriving mobile money ecosystem has emerged. According to Ahmed Muhamud Yuusuf at Hormuud Telecoms, the country has become the world’s first truly cashless economy. He explores the many positive impacts this accomplishment has had.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology, Telecommunications
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Coronavirus Threatens China’s Belt and Road. What Happens When It Wants Half a Trillion Dollars Back?
The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed a global recession that threatens the colossal international loan program that is a symbol of China’s growing prestige and a centerpiece of President Xi Jinping’s reign.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
- Region
- Asia Pacific
- Tags
- infrastructure
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Cash, Long a Refuge in Uncertain Times, Now Under Suspicion
This time cash itself, passed from hand to hand across neighborhoods, cities and societies just like the coronavirus, is a source of suspicion rather than reassurance.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
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Debt ‘Bigger Threat Than Virus’ in Cambodia
Many MFI loans are collateralised by land titles, leaving millions at risk of losing their homes and property should they default. Those forced to sell their land face abject poverty.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
- Region
- Asia Pacific
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Mobile Money Becomes Lifeline as Telecoms Thrive in Covid-19 Era
Mobile money and data have emerged as the lifeline in revenue growth for African-focused telecoms operators Vodacom Group and Airtel Africa across markets characterised by stiff competition and challenging regulatory regimes.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Press Release: Wave Money And Ant Financial Services Group Forms Strategic Partnership
The Myanmar Government plans to increase financial inclusion in the country from its current 48% to 60% by 2023.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Asia Pacific
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When Digital Payment Goes Viral: Lessons from COVID-19’s Impact on Mobile Money in Rwanda
Cash can help spread COVID-19, so some African countries have ramped up efforts to expand digital payments to fight the virus. According to Isabelle Carboni and Hennie Bester at Cenfri, this imperative to digitize is one of the key opportunities to emerge from the pandemic. They explore the early experiences of Rwanda, in assessing the impact these efforts can have.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
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