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It’s Not a Diet, It’s a Lifestyle: Is Developmental Evaluation the Right Measurement Strategy For Your Organization?
Social enterprises working in emerging economies know it’s important to measure their social impact, but they often struggle to find the right approach. Like dieters looking for quick weight loss, they try one strategy or another – then grow frustrated when they fail. But according to Rebecca Baylor at WDI, there’s a solution that's geared toward the unique challenges these businesses face. Called “developmental evaluation,” it resembles not a fad diet, but a new impact measurement lifestyle. She explores this innovative approach, and how organizations can use it successfully.
- Categories
- Entrepreneurship, Impact Assessment
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Viewpoint: Reforming Microfinance to Alleviate Poverty, Foster National Development
About 90 per cent of Nigeria’s businesses are considered microenterprises. Despite this huge number, easy access to funds has remained a challenge for most Small and Medium Enterprises, in spite of several government funding initiatives.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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How the Tiny African Nation of Djibouti Became the Linchpin in China’s Belt and Road Plan
Ideally situated with good harbours, this remote country is helping China protect its growing interests as the vast infrastructure strategy takes hold.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Isolation Blamed for Depressing Social Entrepreneurs in Emerging Countries
There are more than 1,000 social entrepreneur accelerator programs globally, according to Conveners, a U.S.-organization that lists events and training programs for the sector that aim to tackle issues ranging from homeless to climate change.
- Categories
- Entrepreneurship
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Nigeria Establishes Mobile Money Agents Loan Scheme
The Central Bank of Nigeria announced it would facilitate loans of up to NGN500 million ($1.4 million) to mobile money agents and registered companies in the sector as part of a plan to boost financial inclusion.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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In Uganda, a unique urban experiment is under way
A great experiment is under way in Uganda. An industrial skyline of water and cell towers hovers over sturdy mud huts and small farm plots. Schools and health centers are built from brick, slathered in concrete, and fitted with glass windows. Taps run freshwater, and small solar panels power streetlights, as well as radios blasting music from barbershops, televisions airing soccer matches in community halls, and cell phones snaking from charging stations in shops.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Can Amazon Solve Its Problems in India With a Brick-and-Mortar Push?
Amazon is interested in India for two main reasons. First, it wants to expand its presence in higher-growth emerging markets as it runs out of room to grow in developed markets. India certainly fits the bill: Morgan Stanley estimates that over half of India's internet users will buy products online in 2026, compared to just 14% in 2016.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- South Asia
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Viewpoint: How 3-D Printing Can Jumpstart Developing Economies
3D printing has one more advantage in developing countries. Because additive production is entirely digitized, it’s easier for entrepreneurs to monitor and optimize the various steps in the manufacturing process.
- Categories
- Technology