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Africa’s fintech startups are innovating out of need and global investors are backing them
After pulling in almost a third of total funding raised by startups on the continent in 2017, the hot streak for African fintech businesses has continued this year. Among recent big-ticket deals in 2018, Cellulant, a digital payments solution company, raised $47.5 million in one of the largest Series C rounds for a solely Africa-focused venture-funded company.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Viewpoint: AI Could Devastate the Developing World
Most studies of the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and the economy have focused on developed countries such as the U.S. and Britain. But through my work as a scientist, technology executive and venture capitalist in the U.S. and China, I’ve come to believe that the gravest threat AI poses is to emerging economies.
- Categories
- Technology
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Interview: The African youth boom: what’s worrying Bill Gates
The philanthropist warns that stability in Africa makes a huge difference to the world, and that investing in the health and education of its young people is vital.
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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A Generational Challenge: What We’ve Learned About Addressing Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment is a pressing issue in developed countries, but in emerging economies, the situation is even more dire. Unemployment rates of 20 percent or higher are common, with some countries reaching as high as 50 percent. Effective solutions will require an urgent, concentrated and collaborative effort, say Emily Coppel of BRAC USA and Patricia Langan of Save the Children. They outline three key lessons for addressing this challenge, previewing a Sept. 24 forum where some of the top development organizations, research institutes and donors will discuss a path forward.
- Categories
- Impact Assessment
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Which Foreign Aid Programs Work? The U.S. Runs A Test — But Won’t Talk About It
Handel wasn't ready to propose completely scrapping traditional programs in favor of cash aid. But at the very least it seemed reasonable to make sure that any given traditional program produced more benefits than simply giving people an equivalent amount in cash. In other words, he wanted to use cash aid as the benchmark by which all other forms of aid are judged.
- Region
- North America
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Press release: FMO Investment Propels Meloy Fund Past $22 Million for Sustainable Coastal Fisheries
“FMO is proud to join the Meloy Fund and contribute to the creation of economic opportunities for small-scale fisheries in Indonesia and The Philippines” said Maurice Scheepens, Investment Officer of the Agri, Food & Water department at FMO. “The partnership with Rare, which provides amongst others technical expertise and networks, ensures that inclusive development is linked with the conservation of critical marine habitat.”
- Source
- Press release
- Categories
- Environment, Investing
- Region
- Asia Pacific
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How Bill Gates, a valley full of snakes and one entrepreneur took on a deadly disease
The vaccine has made waves as a case study for global health solutions created in and by developing countries, with help from a network of international powers. It’s also getting attention for its incredibly low price: just $1 a dose.
- Categories
- Health Care
- Region
- South Asia
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The small study in Rwanda that could change the way the US does foreign aid
Development aid typically takes the form of in-kind goods and services: vaccines, medicine, education, housing, food parcels, etc. But giving out goods and services can be tricky and costly, from a logistical perspective, and runs the risk of giving people things they don’t want or need.
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa