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A Paradigm Shift for Fintechs: Why a Coherent Data Strategy Has Become a Business Necessity
The global increase in internet access has led to an explosion in digital data, with 33 zettabytes produced in 2018 alone – a number predicted to increase to 175 zettabytes by 2025 (1 zettabyte is 1 trillion gigabytes). Meanwhile, the advent of machine learning and the Internet of Things has changed the way businesses process this information. Analysts at MicroSave (MSC) explore how fintechs can leverage this new data and analytics technology to obtain a competitive edge – and to benefit their customers.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
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Data + Digitization: The Key To Helping African Banks and Microfinance Institutions Support Their Customers During COVID-19
Thanks to COVID-19, the IMF projects 2020 to be the worst year for Africa's economic growth since its record-keeping began in 1970. And concerns are also mounting about the likelihood of an increase in non-performing loans, which will impact businesses, industries and individuals across the continent. Cate Rung at Pngme explores how financial technology – including a unified data API platform – can help banks and microfinance institutions weather this crisis, while delivering services that comply with social distancing measures.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Technology
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How Governments Can Reach People in Extreme Poverty and Build Resilient Livelihoods During COVID-19
Governments around the world have taken fiscal measures that total almost $12 trillion in response to COVID-19. But Lindsay Coates at BRAC argues that most of these programs are short-term and reactive, and many do not reach those most in need of support. She proposes a more comprehensive response – and discusses how the Graduation approach to poverty alleviation can play a role.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Investing
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Avoiding Information Overload: Four Lessons From a Performance Manager on How To Use Data To Drive Development Outcomes
Development impact bonds (DIBs) are a popular way to drive successful social outcomes – but assessing a program's effectiveness requires a lot of data. Dayoung Lee and Dia Banerjee at Dalberg Advisors share lessons they've learned from managing the performance of the world’s largest education DIB, showing how data can improve outcomes without causing undue burdens on the organizations that should be benefiting from it.
- Categories
- Education, Investing, Technology
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Viewpoint: Data-Driven Collective Action Is Imperative For A Post-Covid-19 Development Agenda
It is feared that decades of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) may simply be erased, thanks to the pandemic. In times like these, the development community must look inwards and ultimately refocus its efforts to serve the most vulnerable and prevent large-scale socio-economic devastation.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Impact Assessment, Technology
- Tags
- data, global development, SDGs
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How Africa’s Biggest Telecom Companies Are Diversifying Their Revenue Streams
Over the last few years, Africa’s biggest telcos have been diversifying their revenue away from voice services. But the pandemic shows they still have more to do.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- data, telecommunications
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Viewpoint: Open Banking Set to Drive Africa’s Financial Inclusion
The financial sector in Africa has already witnessed tremendous disruption driven by technologies such as mobile banking, which has played a major role in expanding financial inclusion.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Report: Somalia’s Mobile Money Penetration High, Data Costs Lowest In Africa
Despite its long history with civil unrest, Somalia seems to have gotten a good grip on its business community.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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