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Machine Learning in PAYGo: What You Need to Know Before You Jump In
Machine learning is an exciting technology with plenty of potential applications in social impact business. But as Jacob Winiecki at BFA points out, the hype around the approach may make it tempting to jump in without first determining if it's the right tool for the job. He offers a clear run-down of how machine learning actually works in practice, along with three concrete steps for how a PAYGo enterprise can implement the technology, based on the work BFA’s FIBR Project has done with ZOLA, a leading PAYGo solar operator in Africa.
- Categories
- Energy, Finance, Technology
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Amazon, Western Union debut PayCode to sell goods in emerging markets and let shoppers pay in cash
Amazon has partnered with Western Union to set up a service called PayCode, which lets people shop and pay for Amazon items using local currencies that would not have been accepted on the site before, starting with services in 10 countries.
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- Finance
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Press release: MetLife Foundation and Visa Launch “Inclusive Fintech 50” to Elevate Early-Stage Fintechs Addressing Financial Inclusion
The "Inclusive Fintech 50" will culminate in a list of the most impactful, emerging fintechs that demonstrate the power of financial technology to expand access, usage and quality of financial services in advanced and emerging markets.
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- Finance
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India’s Business Correspondent Model is Revolutionary – and It’s Failing: Here’s How to Turn Things Around
For years, India's banking system struggled to reach poor, rural populations. But the global revolution in digital payments has created new opportunities to connect these households with formal finance. One such approach – the business correspondent model – has shown promise, bringing a network of tech-enabled banking agents into underserved communities. But as Moin Qazi explains, the model is facing challenges that are undermining its considerable potential. He explores some key solutions for changing this dynamic.
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- Finance
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CGAP 13th Annual Photo and Video Contest Winners Capture Resilience and Hope in Africa
In his thought-provoking image, Hesham Fathy shows a young Sudanese woman looking pensively into the horizon as she leans against a fence, which could either trap her or free her. Despite the poverty of the surrounding landscape, she holds a smartphone, giving her access to a world beyond her own.
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- Finance
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Q&A: Bill and Melinda Gates expand on 3 surprises from annual letter
Of the surprises they’ve been confronted with along their journey to philanthropy, the Gates write: “Some worry us. Others inspire us. All of them are prodding us to action. We hope they do the same for you, because that’s how the world gets better.”
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- Finance
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Is Financial Inclusion Really Impacting the SDGs? This New Research Approach Could Offer an Answer
There's growing discussion about how financial inclusion can impact the Sustainable Development Goals – including on NextBillion earlier this week. But according to Liz Larson at UNCDF and Daryl Collins at BFA, the evidence of a link between financial tools and development impacts has not been conclusive. They explore a new measurement framework that aims to take account of the breadth of all potential and proven connections between financial services and the SDGs – while also offering a method for substantiating those impacts.
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- Finance
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Average deposits in Indian PM Modi’s Jan Dhan accounts jump by over 145%
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious financial inclusion programme – Jan Dhan scheme, which was once criticised for zero balance or no deposits in a large number of accounts, has been gradually changing the saving behaviour of poor and rural people in the country.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- South Asia
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