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Machine Learning in PAYGo: What You Need to Know Before You Jump In
Machine learning is an exciting technology with plenty of potential applications in social impact business. But as Jacob Winiecki at BFA points out, the hype around the approach may make it tempting to jump in without first determining if it's the right tool for the job. He offers a clear run-down of how machine learning actually works in practice, along with three concrete steps for how a PAYGo enterprise can implement the technology, based on the work BFA’s FIBR Project has done with ZOLA, a leading PAYGo solar operator in Africa.
- Categories
- Energy, Finance, Technology
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Just 2 companies control 50 per cent of India’s smartphone market
The year 2018 ended with just two companies together controlling around 50 per cent share of the India smartphone market.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- South Asia
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Viewpoint: The WFP and Palantir controversy should be a wake-up call for humanitarian community
The partnership raises serious issues that must be addressed by WFP — who appear to be taking the right steps toward transparency. But this controversy is bigger than just one private sector agreement by one agency — and it should serve as a challenge and an opportunity for the entire humanitarian sector.
- Categories
- Technology
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Working with Tech Vendors: Do’s and Don’ts for Development Organizations
Working with outside vendors in information and communications technologies is a necessary part of global development work – and when done well, it can provide a major boost to an organization’s mission. But there are good and bad ways to select and work with vendors, and many NGOs and social enterprises don’t recognize the importance of choosing the right approach. Nathan Barthel at Catholic Relief Services presents a list of “dos and don’ts” for development organizations to keep in mind when working with vendors – essential reading for anyone planning an ICT4D project.
- Categories
- Social Enterprise, Technology
- Tags
- global development, NGOs
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Ethiopia’s plan to privatize and split up its mobile phone monopoly won’t be as easy as it looks
With over 100 million people, Ethiopia has had one of the world’s fastest-growing economies for years now. Yet the landlocked nation has remained poor, with a per capita income below $800, according to the World Bank. Its journey to become a lower-middle-income nation by 2025 has also been hampered, and currently ranks 167 out of 190 in the ease of doing business.
- Categories
- Technology, Telecommunications
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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India targets Facebook ‘evil’ in backlash against US giants
In the latest skirmish, the government is targeting Facebook Inc’s WhatsApp, the popular messaging service increasingly important to its parent’s bottom line.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- South Asia
- Tags
- public policy
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Uganda’s social media tax is leaving people disconnected — and failing to meet revenue targets
Prior to the tax's implementation, 47.4 percent of people in Uganda were using the internet. Three months after the tax was put in place, that number had fallen to 35 percent.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Financial inclusion takes stage at massive blockchain hackathon
Financial inclusion and security will be one of the challenges at what is being billed as the world's largest blockchain and AI hackathon, taking place in the Netherlands this April.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Europe & Eurasia
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