-
Analysis: Why Cash Transfers Are an Efficient Method of Reducing Food Insecurity
With high levels of mobile phone and internet penetration, coupled with advanced digital technologies in the financial sector, Kenya has favourable conditions for cash transfers to the most vulnerable populations. However, corruption and lack of reliable data on beneficiaries can derail efforts to make all Kenyans food secure during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Categories
- Agriculture, Coronavirus, Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
Kenya’s Mobile Money Use Surges on COVID-19 Prevention Measure
The use of mobile money in Kenya has surged to a new high boosted by one of the measures declared by the government in the war against COVID-19.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
The Future of Microfinance: An Interview With Ira W. Lieberman
Though its profile is somewhat lower than in its heyday, microfinance remains a relevant player in the development sector, supporting some 200 million people worldwide. A new book, “The Future of Microfinance,” contemplates the industry's tumultuous evolution and future development. NextBillion spoke with Ira W. Lieberman, a co-editor of the book, to discuss its thought-provoking insights.
- Categories
- Finance
-
Fintech Startup Remitly Raises $85M
Fintech startup Remitly has raised $85 million in a new round of funding, bumping its valuation up to $1.5 billion.
- Categories
- Finance
- Tags
- cash transfers, fintech, remittances, startups
-
M-Pesa Dominates Kenyan Mobile Money Market – Will a Challenger Emerge From Telkom-Airtel Merger?
M-Pesa’s mobile money dominance has reportedly swelled to almost 99%
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
The Power of Local Women: An Innovative Social Capital Model Addresses Rural Financial Inclusion in India During COVID-19
To reduce the economic impact of COVID-19, the Indian government has transferred money into women’s bank accounts. But as Prabhat Labh at Grameen Foundation India and Sourajit Aiyer at South Asia Fast Track Sustainability Communications point out, the rural population often struggles to access those funds. They explore how the Grameen Mitra model leverages a network of village-based women to get cash transfers to where they're needed most.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
-
Viewpoint: COVID-19 in Rural Communities — Building Back Better in the Global South
As the COVID-19 pandemic has flooded the world and infiltrated many of the global south’s most rural, most impoverished communities, attention has turned to what the future will look like.
- Categories
- Coronavirus