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World Bank, Commonwealth Bank team up on blockchain sustainable development project
The World Bank has chosen the Commonwealth Bank of Australia to help organize a new Ethereum blockchain bond denominated in Australian dollars. The bond is projected to raise between $50-$100 million, and proceeds will go towards sustainable development initiatives.
- Categories
- Finance
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The Impact Of The Middle East’s Fintech Boom On Economic Inequality In The Region
History tells us that any new technology can lead to one of two diametrically-opposed social outcomes: the technology can help balance the distribution of global wealth, or it can deepen economic and social inequality.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- North Africa & Near East
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African food businesses get nurturing from well-known giants
Volunteers from some of the world’s biggest food producers, who decades ago took food-making from kitchen to the factory, are offering guidance to African entrepreneurs and helping nations become less dependent on imported food.
- Categories
- Agriculture
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Press release: Kora Gateway launches, bringing improved financial services to emerging markets
Kora, the largest blockchain project out of Africa, has launched a new wallet that aims to provide access to low cost financial services to populations that have historically had little to no access to them.
- Categories
- Finance
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Why are Meghalaya’s farmers dialling a toll-free number?
Since December 2017, approximately 15,000 farmers in Meghalaya have been busy thumbing in four digits into their mobile phones: 1 9 1 7. The toll-free number connects them to a call centre based in Shillong’s Laitumkhrah area, manned by 20 operators.
- Categories
- Agriculture
- Region
- South Asia
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Offering a white-labeled lending service in emerging markets, Mines raises $13 million
Emerging markets credit startup Mines.io has closed a $13 million Series A round led by The Rise Fund, the global impact fund formed by private equity giant TPG, and 10 others, including Velocity Capital.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- fintech, lending, venture capital
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Nepal’s Largest Solar Project Gets $200 Million Impact Investment
The Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has approved foreign investment of $200 million for the development of a 170 megawatt solar power plant, the largest-ever solar project in Nepal. It is the first phase of a project to build solar plants with a total installed capacity of 850 megawatt in Nepal.
- Categories
- Energy
- Region
- North Africa & Near East
- Tags
- impact investing
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Kenya’s competition watchdog clears dominant operator Safaricom
Competition Authority finds no sign that Safaricom, which has a 67% market share, has abused its dominance.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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