-
Yes, microlending reduces extreme poverty
Currently, 836 million people – or 12% of the world’s population – experience extreme poverty, living off less than US$1.25 a day. Using data from 106 developing countries from between 1998 and 2013 to examine the efficacy of microlending as a poverty-reduction tool, I found that just a 10% increase in the gross microfinance loan portfolio per client could cut this number by 1.26%.
- Categories
- Investing
-
Commentary: The Surprising Resilience of Cash Transactions
While Singapore, the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Switzerland are among the least cash reliant countries, in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Peru and Egypt, only 1 per cent of transactions are cashless. Even some highly advanced countries, such as Japan, are still highly reliant on cash.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
- Tags
- digital payments
-
MobiCash Launches MobiSpaza in South Africa
The new platform is a spaza sector-focused mobile platform and is an inclusive business tool that builds bridges between spaza sector stakeholders, such as private corporations, state-owned entities, co-operatives, and not-for-profit organizations, and the township communities they serve.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- fintech
-
Impact investments booming in Africa
Impact investing has become a key focus for many fund managers on the continent. Just under half of funds surveyed in Southern, West and East Africa are awake to the idea that their assets can not only be used to generate good returns for their clients, but also outcomes that are good for society at large.
- Categories
- Investing
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
India’s most popular mobile wallet company is pushing to disrupt financial services with a new money market fund
Paytm recently became the second nonbank to leverage India's payment bank initiative, which works to give more consumers access to mainstream financial services. As part of the initiative, Paytm will be able to accept deposits, issue debit cards, and facilitate online transactions, but it won't be able to lend money to consumers.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- South Asia
-
Fintech companies take on banks, telcos with big data arsenal in Africa
Developing markets such as Kenya do not yet have the levels of Internet penetration and e-commerce sophistication to attract these online giants turned fintech entrepreneurs. At the same time, a stable of local fintech companies are sprouting and they are expected to mature as fast Internet becomes more affordable and as Kenyans embrace shopping and banking online.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- digital payments, fintech
-
Zimbabwe cash crisis hits microfinance institution GetBucks
“When we do have cash we have been able to disburse money, but particularly bond notes that we are receiving from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. It differs daily based on demand so on one day it can be $30, $50 and $100. Its similar with what is prevailing in the market,” Soko said.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- microfinance