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Development-bank climate funds seek new dollars, as competition heats up
The $8.3-billion Climate Investment Funds (CIF), currently the world’s largest multilateral climate financing instrument, help developing states pursue low-carbon development that protects them better from wilder weather and rising seas.
- Categories
- Environment, Finance, Investing
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OPIC commits $8 million to support small farmer microlending in Myanmar
Proximity Finance, which designs its loans to meet the particular needs of smallholder farmers, is the microfinance arm of Proximity Designs, a social enterprise dedicated to serving Myanmar’s rural families.
- Categories
- Agriculture, Finance
- Region
- Asia Pacific
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The Key to Financing the SDGs: UN Task Force Seeks New Ideas for Digital Finance – Here’s How You Can Contribute
Most people know about the gap in financing the Sustainable Development Goals – estimated at around US $2.5 trillion per year. Yet few people seem to know what to do about it. According to Tillman Bruett, Secretariat Director for the UN Secretary-General’s Task Force on the Digital Financing of the SDGs, solving this problem will require creative new financing models – and the digital revolution may provide the answer. He discusses the UN's new call for ideas about how digital finance can help fund the SDGs – and invites all interested parties to respond.
- Categories
- Finance
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How Can Fintech Serve the Poor? A Q&A with CGAP CEO Greta Bull
As fintech innovation transforms the financial sphere, what are the implications for low-income and unbanked individuals? Greta Bull, CEO of CGAP, explored this question in a widely read essay earlier this year, and NextBillion followed up to get a deeper sense of her views on fintech's potential (and practical) impact. Her thoughts offer an important barometer of an organization and an industry in transition, as the tech revolution continues to reshape financial inclusion.
- Categories
- Finance
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Press release: OPIC’s 2x Women’s Initiative Surpasses $1 Billion Goal
Launched publically one year ago during Women’s History Month, OPIC’s 2X Women’s Initiative aims to unlock the multi-trillion dollar opportunity women represent by catalyzing investment in projects that support the world’s women. As part of the initiative, OPIC committed to mobilizing $1 billion to business and funds owned by women, managed by women, or providing a product or service that intentionally empowers women.
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Press release: OPIC Supports Two Projects to Expand Access to Safe Drinking Water
“Thanks to OPIC’s landmark investment in WaterEquity’s $50 million flagship fund, 4.6 people across India, Indonesia, Cambodia, and the Philippines will secure access to safe water or sanitation,” said Alix Lebec, Executive Vice President of Investor Relations, WaterEquity.
- Source
- Press release
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Press releae: PEG Africa raises $25M to accelerate off-grid solar expansion in West Africa
PEG Africa, a West Africa based pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar company, has raised a US$25 million Series C funding round, taking its funding total to US$50 million, and allowing it to cement its position as market leader in the region.
- Source
- Press release
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Why the Future is African – And Why SMEs Should Lead the Way
It’s conventional wisdom that small and medium enterprises are key to economic growth in emerging markets. This is particularly true in Africa, where local SMEs dominate the business landscape, and a fast-growing young population needs the services, jobs and economic growth they provide. But as Trevor Hambayi at Development Finance Associates explains, these enterprises face several unique challenges – starting with a lack of finance. He explores the problem, and some solutions that could help unlock the SME sector’s potential.
- Categories
- Finance