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Even Africa’s poorest countries are too expensive to be the world’s next manufacturing hub
In a bid to find out if African countries can “break into global manufacturing in a substantial way”, the researchers found factories in Africa were almost always more expensive to start and run. Looking at overall costs, small African firms were 39% more expensive than comparative firms elsewhere while medium and large firms were around 50% more expensive.
- Categories
- Investing, Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Press release: Bamboo Capital Partners exits its investment from Vitas Group, a leading microfinance institution in post conflict MENA and Eastern Europe regions
Vitas has grown significantly over the course of Bamboo’s investment. Since 2011, Vitas and its affiliates’ Gross Loan Portfolio increased from $82 million to $247 million and the number of clients has tripled. Currently, Vitas and its affiliates serve more than 112,000 clients while employing nearly 1600 local professional staff.
- Categories
- Investing
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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Releases Open-Source Software to Support Efforts that Expand Access to Financial Services in Developing Countries
Current data from the World Bank shows that nearly two billion people in developing economies lack bank accounts and miss out on the benefits and security that basic financial services provide. Digital financial services, such as mobile money on cell phones, have rapidly expanded over the last two decades because they are convenient for users and cost-effective for companies aiming to serve new markets.
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Impact Investing — Five Trends Advisors Need To Know
Research shows that clients are interested in impact investing when the options are presented to them, yet many advisors still aren’t sure about it themselves. Here are the trends you need to know.
- Categories
- Investing
- Tags
- ESG, impact investing
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Press release: Tiedemann Wealth Management Commits to Impact Investing with Threshold Group Partnership
“The importance of having a similar culture and vision for delivering multi-generational value for the families and foundations we serve was paramount in deciding to work together,” said Michael Tiedemann, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the combined firm. “Many of our clients have shown interest in impact investing. The addition of Threshold’s expertise in this area to our existing investment platform and comprehensive services will be a welcome addition for our clients today and prospects in the future.”
- Categories
- Investing
- Region
- North America
- Tags
- ESG, impact investing
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New development impact bond brings in big donors, provides biggest test of model to date
Gwokajja’s story is one of several thousand supported through Village Enterprise, a nongovernmental organization working to eliminate poverty in sub-Saharan Africa through entrepreneurship and innovation. The organization’s network of entrepreneurs is set to grow significantly through a new development impact bond that is trailblazing many firsts — the first in the world to focus specifically on poverty alleviation, the first in sub-Saharan Africa, and the first to bring on major donors, including the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.K. Department for International Development.
- Categories
- Investing
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TPG Seals Record $2 Billion for Fund Co-Led by Bono
The fund, which TPG raised in about seven months, surpassed its $1.5 billion target and hit its $2 billion hard cap, or the maximum amount of outside capital allowed by its agreement with investors. TPG employees plan to commit additional money before a final close.
- Categories
- Investing
- Tags
- impact investing
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Salesforce launches $50 million Impact Fund to invest in social change startups
Salesforce announced Tuesday that it's launching the Salesforce Impact Fund, a $50 million initiative to accelerate the growth of startups that are using Salesforce technology to address some of the world's biggest problems. Through the fund, Salesforce will invest in these companies, furthering each one's goal of driving positive change.
- Categories
- Investing, Technology
- Region
- North America
- Tags
- impact investing, startups