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Coronavirus Seen as Trigger for Mobile Money Growth in West Africa
Mobile money providers across Africa have reduced or waived transaction fees and governments are encouraging digital payments to reduce person-to-person contact and potentially slow the spread of the virus.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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From the Valley of Death to a $14 Million Series A: Sokowatch, Quona and the Role of Philanthropic Capital
The e-commerce company Sokowatch recently raised a $14 million Series A round, enabling it to expand its digital financial services to more merchants in Africa. But just two years ago, the company was in danger of going under. Malika Anand and Maelis Carraro at BFA’s Catalyst Fund discuss how the fund's philanthropically-funded acceleration approach has helped Sokowatch – and other promising fintech startups – survive the “valley of death” and position themselves for commercial investment.
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Press Release: Western Union Expands Its Digital Services
Western Union is continuing to expand digital services and account payout during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
- Tags
- digital finance, fintech
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When Digital Payment Waves Lead to ‘Unbanking’
Ironically, fintechs and cashless payment technologies who promise to ensure financial inclusion often achieve the opposite results.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- South Asia
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Zimbabwe’s Lack of Cash for Once Is a Good Thing
“It’s a big advantage,” Eddie Cross, a member of the central bank’s monetary policy committee, said of the cashless environment. Reserve Bank Governor John Mangudya last week urged lenders to ensure uninterrupted continuity with all digital banking platforms, which were the “safest and most secure forms” of transacting.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Coronavirus Will Be Even Worse For Low-Income People And Businesses, But Fintechs Can Help
Around the world, financially insecure people are fundamentally more susceptible to financial shocks like coronavirus, and the current crisis is bringing the challenges this population faces into stark relief. Innovative, inclusive fintech is crucial for weathering this pandemic
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance
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How Can Fintech Startups Address the Financial Inclusion Gap? Three Insights from the Data Standards for Inclusive Fintech
In 2018, over US $110 billion was invested in fintech startups – up 120% from 2017. But will this capital help deliver affordable and accessible solutions to low-income customers at scale? Chrissy Martin Meier at MIX explores why standardized data can highlight gaps in investment, surface promising companies, and more effectively measure inclusion – and how MIX's Data Standards for Inclusive Fintech advance those goals.
- Categories
- Finance
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Visa Partners With Paga on Payments and Fintech for Africa and Abroad
The collaboration reflects a strategy of the American financial services giant to expand in Africa working with the continent’s top startups.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- digital payments, fintech, startups
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