-
China’s CFPA Microfinance raises $140m in Series C led by The Rise Fund
The latest funding round adds The Rise Fund to CFPA’s list of big-ticket investors, which now include Ant Financial, China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation, IFC, Sequoia Capital China, High Impact Capital Advisors, and Renda Puhui.
- Categories
- Investing
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
Safaricom and Western Union sign money transfer deal
Mpesa customers will be able to send and receive money at any Western Union centers across the world after Safaricom and Western Union inked a money transfer deal.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- fintech, remittances
-
Why I don’t believe in the SDGs (and how impact investing is changing my mind)
The current funding levels for the SDGs don’t come close to what’s needed - impact investing may be the key to closing the gap.
- Categories
- Investing
-
Viewpoint: The Promise of AI in the Developing World
When it comes to technology, there is a common misperception that only the rich benefit. But the innovations behind gadgets like iPhones and robotic vacuums have the potential to boost development and prosperity throughout the Global South.
- Categories
- Technology
-
Gender and Ethnic Diversity Make Impact Investing Profitable
More diverse companies perform better, according to findings by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Co.
- Categories
- Investing
- Tags
- ESG, impact investing
-
Cash is replacing other forms of aid, even in conflict zones
Giving cash to poor people is not a new idea. The UN sends money direct to bank accounts it sets up for Syrian refugees in Jordan; many countries use cash transfers as part of their social safety nets. What is new is donors’ willingness to give out cash in war zones.
- Categories
- Finance
-
India’s Biggest Private Company Gets Paid on a Blockchain
Reliance Industries, India’s largest private sector firm, has successfully participated in its first ever trade finance transaction powered by blockchain technology.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- South Asia
-
Viewpoint: Should Paraguay invest its energy wealth in bitcoin ‘mining’ or fighting poverty?
The Itaipú dam is already enriching some, and they believe the country should invest more in cryptocurrency, while others argue it should spread Itaipú’s bounty more widely.
- Categories
- Energy, Technology
- Region
- Latin America
Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter, "NextBillion Notes"
Published each Wednesday, our e-newsletter features NextBillion's latest original articles, along with a selection of news, jobs, bizdev opportunities and events from our recent coverage — and regular conference ticket giveaways.
We respect your privacy. Your information is safe and will never be shared.
Don't miss out. Subscribe today.