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Three years on, in every way that counts, Tech4Africa continues to be the premier mobile, web and emerging technology event, and this year’s conference promises to be no exception, congregating some of the best minds in ICT today and bringing a greater than ever breadth and depth of tech talks.
Africa’s best tech minds to meet at IndabaNews
Immaculate Kongai said she was quick to spot the potential of the Multifunction Energy Platform (MFP) as soon as it arrived in Usuk, her village in northeastern Uganda. Kongai grows and sells sorghum to local beer brewers, and has earned a reputation as a shrewd local entrepreneur. When the MFP—or, as she calls it, "the machine"—first showed up three years ago, she said she saw a chance to "make a lot more money" for her family.
In Uganda, Villages Reap Benefits of “Machine” EnergyBlog Post
Although there are many benefits to impact bonds – make no mistake – they are complicated to implement. Because they are new tools and because it is in the interests of all parties involved to reduce risk, only strong programs with proven statistical success are likely to be supported by a social or development impact bond.
Impact Bonds: Boon or Boondoggle? Before We Hop on the Bandwagon, Let’s Scan the Road AheadNews
Intellecap today announced that it has facilitated an investment of INR 250 million from Norwest Venture Partners in Nationwide Primary Healthcare Services, a pioneering chain of general practitioner and pediatric clinics backed by US based angels.
Intellecap facilitates investment of INR 250 million in NationWide, from Norwest Venture PartnersBlog Post
In late June, Ashoka Arab World hosted its sixth annual Ashoka Innovation Network (AIN) Forum, convening over 70 participants including Egypt’s business entrepreneurs, corporate representatives interested in leveraging business’ role in social change, established and aspiring social entrepreneurs, young professionals from the business and civil sectors, community leaders and media. The excitement was evident as the forum filled with concerned stakeholders, and provided a safe space for these leaders from diverse sectors to air their challenges honestly.
After the Revolution: Fostering Egypt’s Social Entrepreneurs, Generating an Inclusive Economy: A report from the 2012 Ashoka Innovation Network ForumNews
In many parts of the world, if families outgrow their homes they simply add on to them. They grow 'em, piece by piece, room by room, brick by brick, when they get some extra cash. But, turns out, that's not very efficient. It wastes money, supplies, and lots of time.Alex Goldmark reports from Mexico, on a new way to build affordable housing -- and I mean really affordable.
Making housing more affordable in MexicoBlog Post
William Davidson Institute summer fellows Mary Fritz, who worked in India for Wello, and Patrick Huang, who also spent time in India working for Village Capital, recently discussed the merits of social impact metrics following their recent experiences at the social enteprises.
Do Social Impact Metrics Matter?: Two WDI Summer Fellows Discuss the TopicBlog Post
High client growth and low default rates are typical benchmarks for gauging the success of MFIs. But the two measures can be counterproductive for MFIs looking to achieve real social impact through financial inclusion. Achieving low default rates and higher client growth rates together is only possible when the client’s cash flows are more than adequate to cover the average loan size.
How Microfinance Institutions Can Manage Default Risk AND Build Financial Inclusion
