NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Cambodia, Malaysia Launch Phase 2 of Cross-Border QR Payment System

According to the NBC, the launch is expected to enhance cross-border payment options, particularly for Malaysians travelling to Cambodia.

Source

The Phenom Phen Post (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Finance, Technology

Region

South Asia

Tags

digital finance, digital inclusion, digital payments, financial inclusion, fintech, MSMEs

Viewpoint: Indian Microfinance Sector Must Transform Before It’s Too Late

Borrowers are juggling multiple loans—sometimes 6 or more—from MFIs, SHGs, local moneylenders, and even app-based lenders. Field staff are exhausted. Community ties that once held JLGs together are fraying. And loan officers are under pressure, leading to shortcuts, fraud, and rising stress levels.

Source

Times of India (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Finance, Technology

Region

Asia Pacific

Tags

digital finance, digital inclusion, Digital Public Infrastructure, financial inclusion, fintech, lending, microfinance

Benin and Senegal Experience Highest Growth in African Internet Resilience: Internet Society Pulse Country Report 2024

Several countries in West Africa are improving their internet resilience.

Source

Modern Ghana (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Technology

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

cybersecurity, data, digital inclusion, Digital Public Infrastructure, infrastructure

Zambia Obtains World Bank Funding Support to Advance DPI Implementation

Zambia has secured funding to the tune of $120 million from the World Bank’s Digital Development Partnership to carry on with the implementation of its digital public infrastructure (DPI) agenda.

Source

Biometric Update (link opens in a new window)

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, Digital Public Infrastructure, partnerships

Analysis: Can Artificial Intelligence Improve Digital Public Infrastructure Solutions?

Integrating AI into DPI could drive unprecedented improvements in public service delivery, economic inclusion, and governance.

Source

ICT Works (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Technology

Region

Global

Tags

artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, Digital Public Infrastructure, global development, poverty alleviation, research

Women in Business Held Back by Mobile Data’s Cost in Developing World – Report

Nearly half of female entrepreneurs surveyed by Cherie Blair Foundation for Women do not have regular internet access.

Source

The Guardian (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Technology

Region

Global

Tags

data, digital inclusion, gender equality, media and entertainment, MSMEs, research, women entrepreneurs

Flutterwave Secures Approval to Offer Remittance Services in Ghana

Nigeria-based fintech gains Bank of Ghana approval to enhance cross-border payments and financial inclusion.

Source

Fintech Africa (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Finance, Technology

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

digital finance, digital inclusion, digital payments, fintech, remittances

Khula Secures $6.8 Million Series A Funding to Expand Its Agri-Tech Platform

As Khula builds on its progress, the funding will support further expansion, bringing more farmers and agribusinesses into its ecosystem while strengthening the digital infrastructure that connects them.

Source

TechBuild Africa (link opens in a new window)

Categories

Agriculture, Technology

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Tags

agtech, corporations, digital inclusion, digital payments, Digital Public Infrastructure, smallholder farmers, startups