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How blockchain technology could revolutionise microfinance in Cambodia
A new Cambodia-based startup thinks it might have found a way to change how microfinance lenders operate and cut down lending fees by more than half – by jumping on the blockchain bandwagon.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Asia Pacific
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Press release: ODX Assembles All-Star Cast to Bring Free Internet to Emerging Markets
“Free and fair access to the web is a fundamental human right,” said Scott Walker, co-founder of DNA Fund. “The dynamic nature of emerging markets creates unique challenges that have never confronted the developed world but also opens up opportunities for innovation and growth. We are proud to be part of the elite group of early supporters of the ODX platform, which will leverage blockchain technology to enable the delivery of free mobile internet access to underserved populations across the world.”
- Categories
- Technology
- Tags
- blockchain, data, global development
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Viewpoint: Buzzwords and tortuous impact studies won’t fix a broken aid system
Fifteen leading economists, including three Nobel winners, argue that the many billions of dollars spent on aid can do little to alleviate poverty while we fail to tackle its root causes.
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Low Tech, High Impact: An Affordable, Hand-Powered Innovation Aims to Boost Food Production in Africa
For many global development players, high-tech innovations are the go-to solution for challenges in emerging markets. But according to Taylor Quinn of JUST, Inc., low-tech approaches can be even smarter. He discusses the promising potential of locally made and hand-powered machines in emerging economy value chains, and explores how JUST is using one such device to improve food security, increase access to quality nutrition and promote entrepreneurship in Liberia.
- Categories
- Social Enterprise, Technology
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Glasses Study Shows Huge Productivity Boost for Workers
A landmark study, published today in The Lancet Global Health, shows how a simple pair of glasses can boost workers’ productivity and reduce poverty.
- Categories
- Health Care
- Region
- South Asia
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Realizing blockchain’s potential for social impact
As is usually the case with disruptive new technology, blockchain comes with a lot of hype. While its best-known application, bitcoin, divides opinion and makes banks and governments nervous, the technology may have great potential to advance social good.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
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Looking Past the Buzz: Here’s How to Make Blockchain a Pragmatic Force for Good
Blockchain is often associated with extreme wealth and a disregard for environmental realities, such as electricity use. But Will Szal of Regen Network holds a different view: one that sees the technology's potential to offset carbon emissions and transform the lives of the next billion, particularly the one-fourth of the world's population employed in agriculture. He outlines some ways that blockchain could reach its full potential, for the benefit of the environment and the global poor.
- Categories
- Agriculture, Environment, Technology
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At the Vatican, a different type of investing conference
There were several more nuns and priests in attendance than at a typical impact investing conference, but the third Vatican Impact Investing Conference, held last week, explored both where the field is headed globally and what role the Roman Catholic Church might have moving forward.
- Categories
- Investing
- Region
- Europe & Eurasia