-
COVID Coin?
The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the long-term shift away from cash, and monetary authorities risk falling behind. A recent report from the G30 argues that if central banks want to shape the outcome, they need to start thinking fast.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Technology
-
Viewpoint: COVID-19 Pandemic Shows the Need to Strengthen Digital Safety Nets for Women
The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to wipe out hard-won gains in global development and gender equality. The World Bank reports that the world faces its first increase in extreme poverty since 1998, with between 71 million and 100 million people set to fall into destitution depending on the pandemic’s course, and the crisis affecting women more negatively than men.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Technology
-
Analysis: Digital Financial Inclusion – Kenya and Nigeria Case Studies
Digital financial services are both broadening and speeding up financial inclusion in many African countries – a key factor in accelerating economic growth. In this study, Rafiq Raji looks at their development in Kenya and Nigeria and notes the differences in their impact
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
South African Telecom Operator Telkom Moves into Financial Services
South Africa’s telecom operator Telkom has branched into the competitive space of financial services by launching a life insurance business that it said will initially sell funeral insurance.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
Why Don’t Small Retailers Adopt E-Payments?: New Research Suggests the Reasons Behind Merchant Aversion – And Solutions for Stimulating Customer Demand
Mexico's 2.1 million 'tienditas' (small shops) drive most of the country's retail sales – yet 83% of them only accept cash, even though e-payment technology is cheaply accessible. Shreya Kankanhalli at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and Luz Gomez at Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth explore findings from a field study that's testing ways to promote e-payments.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Technology
-
Ghana Mobile Money Interoperability Transactions Rise 400 Percent in Six Months
The huge jump in the MMI volume could be attributed to increased awareness that funds can now be transferred across wallets of different telecommunications networks.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
Avoiding the Downside of Instapay: Five Behavioral Science-Based Principles to Make Paycheck-on-Demand Benefit Low-Income Users
There are numerous apps and employers that allow employees to cash out their paychecks on demand, rather than waiting until their usual payday. But while this may seem like a dream come true for people who need quick cash to deal with financial distress, "instapay" also comes with tradeoffs. Analysts at Common Cents Lab discuss these downsides – and some behavioral science-based solutions.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Technology
-
Vodacom Partners with China’s Alipay to Create ‘Super App’ in South Africa
Vodacom Group plans to create a ‘super app’ in partnership with digital payment provider Alipay, part of China’s Alibaba group, to allow consumers in South Africa to shop online, pay bills and send money to family from next year.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
Subscribe to Our 'Business in Global Development' Newsletter!
Our new weekly LinkedIn newsletter features NextBillion's latest original articles, along with curated news, jobs, bizdev opportunities and events from our recent coverage of impact-focused business in emerging markets.
We respect your privacy. Your information is safe and will never be shared.
Don't miss out. Subscribe today.