NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

New Mobile Phone Program to Bring Economic Lifeline to Rural Rwanda

(CSRwire) Washington, DC, June 14, 2006 ? With the nearest telephone sometimes six miles away, a mobile phone is more than just a means of communication for rural communities in Rwanda; it is an economic lifeline. To help spur greater telecommunications access for villagers, Grameen Foundation, a global non-profit organization that combines microfinance with new technologies to empower the world?s poorest people, and mobile network operator, MTN Rwanda, are launching an innovative new venture: V...

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Uganda: Bona Bagaggawale: Co-Operatives Would More Effectively Serve the Poverty Eradication Purpose

Abstract: After dabbling in microfinance, Uganda, under the leadership of a new finance minister, is reintroducing the cooperative system as the core of its rural development program. This article also includes interesting commentary on microfinance. As Dr. Augustus Nuwagaba notes about Uganda’s experience wiht microfinance, Uganda’s poverty eradication programmes are usually implemented in a poor way and during time of electioneering. In the end, people per...

Source

The Monitor (link opens in a new window)

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Foreign Aid Has Flaws. So What?

Abstract: The New York Time columnist Nicholas Kristof discusses a book about the flaws of foreign aid and asks challenging questions to the international development community. Note: You must be a member of TimesSelect to view this article....

Source

The New York Times (link opens in a new window)

New environment chief targets poverty

Abstract: Achim Steiner, the incoming head of the UN Environment Program, is looking to take a policy approach that addresses the link between environmental degradation and poverty. As he explains in the article, "But what I became interested in was development and poverty - the realisation that for the poorest of the poor, stopping environmental degradation and having the ability to manage it properly is the easiest way for them to work their way out of poverty."...

Source

The BBC (link opens in a new window)

PM to address IDB conference in Washington DC

Abstract: Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller is one of many speakers at the Inter-American Bank’s conference, "Building Opportunity for the Majority."...

Source

Radio Jamaica (link opens in a new window)

Region

Latin America

Too soon to call a turn

Abstract: In an opinion piece, Richard Lapper explores the possibility of shifting political winds in Latin America. He also discusses the BOP and the new agenda of Inter-American Development Bank, which is being pushed ahead in full force by the Bank’s new president, Luis Alberto Moreno....

Source

Financial Times (link opens in a new window)

Region

Latin America

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were a Utopian, feel-good scheme bound to fail because no single aid agency was held responsible for anything. That was the word from New York University economics professor, William Easterly, speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa in Cape Town this week . Easterly described the MDGs as the worst designed incentive scheme for public policy seen in my lifetime. The MDGs are a set o...

Source

Cape Times (link opens in a new window)

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

African leaders are seeking Iqbal Surv?s counsel ? his company, Sekunjalo Investments, has been central to the facilitation of a yet to be announced $20bn infrastructure project in a neighbouring country. Walk out of a one-and-a-half hour discussion with Dr Iqbal Surv?, who describes himself as a ?medical doctor, philanthropist and social entrepreneur? and you will disregard all the skeptics and believe that there is hope for Africa to eradicate poverty, and not in our grandchildren...

Source

Business in Africa (link opens in a new window)

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa