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There is Such a Thing as Too Much, Too Fast: Avoiding ‘Mismatched Expectations’ in Off-Grid Energy Investing
A recent post by impact investing firm Ceniarth on the "Energy Access Hype Cycle" has generated considerable discussion, prompting critical responses from fellow impact investors Persistent Energy Capital and the off-grid lighting trade organization GOGLA. With this post, writers at the IFC join the discussion, analyzing the effect of rapid growth rates, high levels of consumer financing and operational efficiency on the liquidity of solar home system providers.
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- Energy, Investing, Technology
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Soldiering on in Solar: Why the ‘Investable’ Deals Debate isn’t the Whole Story
An ongoing debate on NextBillion in 2017 has been the extent to which impact investors should steer clear of the "hype cycle" surrounding off-grid solar providers, particularly in Africa. But after a recent trip to Tanzania where he met with several solar entrepreneurs, WRI's Sanjoy Sanyal argues that now is precisely the time to push forward. He explores why genuine, impact-seeking investors need to look ahead of the current incumbents and support local entrepreneurs.
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Venture Capital is Broken – Here’s How to Fix It: A Q&A with Village Capital President Ross Baird
Venture capital investors are often backing the wrong ideas for the wrong reasons, hoping to strike it rich by dumping billions into frivolous apps that benefit only a wealthy sliver of the world’s population. Meanwhile, innovative solutions to pressing global challenges go underfunded. That's the thesis of Village Capital president Ross Baird, which he expresses in a new book. NextBillion editor Sonya Vann DeLoach discusses the book's message with Baird in this interview.
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- Investing, Social Enterprise
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Water ATMs: How Technology is Improving Water Governance in Tanzania
The lack of accessible, potable water for many of the world's most remote communities is too often due to a water governance issue. But as Madison Lawson is at Catholic Relief Services points out, new enterprises are combining database management, water pumping and business models that can deliver fresh water to places most in need. She highlights one such "water ATM" system in Tanzania.
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- Environment, Social Enterprise, WASH
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The Millennial Employment Gap: Three Lessons Learned Supporting Young Entrepreneurs
Across Latin America, about 20 million young people are neither studying nor working. Helping them find economic opportunities is one of the region's top challenges - and entrepreneurship can help, since businesses with five employees or fewer generate 60 percent of the region’s jobs. TechnoServe discusses three effective approaches for supporting young entrepreneurs, learned through its Crece Tu Empresa (Build Your Business) program.
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- Uncategorized
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Beyond the Beach: Exploring Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, tourism provides one in 10 jobs globally, and even more in developing countries. In the Caribbean, for instance, it directly or indirectly creates nearly one in every five jobs. The Conference on Jobs & Inclusive Growth: Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism will explore how tourism can "create good jobs, provide opportunities for inclusion and education, and assist in preserving cultural heritage and the environment." NextBillion will be a media partner at the event.
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How Latino Entrepreneurs Can Fight Intergenerational Poverty: The Impact of Retirement Plans
Hispanics in the United States have an estimated buying power of $1.4 trillion – about 10 percent of the country's buying power. Despite this economic clout, they lag behind in retirement savings. Traditionally, many have taken care of their elderly parents and, in turn, expect their children to do the same for them. Manuel Carvallo of Hispanic Wealth suggests it's time for the growing number of Latino entrepreneurs to take the lead by establishing retirement plans.
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