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Subsidy and Synergy: How Philanthropy Can Complement Impact Investing More Effectively
The original goal of impact investing was to build out the funding spectrum between philanthropy and commercial investment. But according to Asad Mahmood at SIMA and Nanno Kleiterp, the arrival of private equity firms — promising scale and market-rate financial returns — has pulled all the sector's energy toward the commercial end of the spectrum. They explore the key role philanthropic subsidy has played in the development of emerging markets business, clarify some misconceptions about its role in impact investing, and propose some ways philanthropists and impact investors can better align their efforts.
- Categories
- Energy, Finance, Investing, Social Enterprise
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OPay Partners with AfriGOpay to Boost Digital Payments in Nigeria
AfriGO, Nigeria’s National Domestic Card Scheme aims to deepen financial inclusivity, by utilising innovative products, a customer-focused approach, and cutting-edge technology.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Kenya’s Hustler Fund Is a Flop. Why President Ruto’s Plan to Loan Money to Entrepreneurs Hasn’t Worked
The Kenya government acted as a micro-lender via the Hustler Fund, which was applauded by the financial inclusion lobby as a way to correct failures in the credit market.
- Categories
- Investing
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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African NGO Wins Luxembourg’s €100,000 Microfinance Award
The European Microfinance Award, established in 2005 by Luxembourg’s foreign ministry is jointly organised with the Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg (InFiNe) and the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP).
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Global
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Navigating the Financing Paradox for WSMEs: Workable Solutions for Increasing Financial Inclusion Among Women-Owned or -Led Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
In Africa, an estimated $42 billion financing gap exists for small and medium-sized enterprises owned or led by women (WSMEs). According to Nathalie Gogue-Ebo, Crystal Mugimba, Millie Maina and Shiemaa Ahmed at Open Capital, this gap has persisted despite the fact that women own the majority of the continent’s SMEs, and that globally, they default on their loans at a rate 53% lower than men. They explore the main roadblocks facing African WSMEs, and share some solutions that can ensure that these women entrepreneurs have access to the capital they need to thrive.
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U.S. Department of the Treasury Releases Inaugural National Strategy for Financial Inclusion
This Strategy is intended to promote an inclusive financial system that works to reduce rather than increase disparities.
- Region
- North America
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Wahu Mobility and Letshego Partner to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Ownership Across Africa
The initiative introduces affordable financing options for EV ownership.
- Categories
- Energy, Technology, Transportation
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Press Release: MODIFI Secures Strategic Investment From SMBC Asia Rising Fund to Fuel Asian Exports by SMEs
Fintech leader strengthens position in cross-border B2B payments and trade finance, eyeing rapid growth across Asia, including China and India.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Asia Pacific
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