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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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Green Jet Fuel Producers Are Crossing a Daunting Climate Tech Barrier
Pat Gruber learned the hard way how difficult it can be to raise money for novel climate tech. When he went to apply for a US federal loan to build a big new SAF factory, he thought the money would be easy to lock in. It wasn’t.
- Categories
- Technology, Transportation
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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India’s IndusInd Bank Tumbles 15% on Becoming Latest to Warn of Microfinance Loan Stress
While at least eight of the 41 analysts covering the stock cut their price targets, their average still remains the equivalent of "buy", according to LSEG data.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Asia Pacific
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IHS Towers, Africa’s Largest Telecom Tower Company, Secures $439 Million Loan to Refinance Debt and Support Expansion
By refinancing early, the company may benefit from better terms, potentially lowering interest costs and extending its debt repayment timeline.
- Categories
- Telecommunications
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- employment, lending
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Supporting the Resilience of Small Businesses in India: The Value of Flexible Funding During a Crisis
Over 122 million people in India lost their jobs during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in April of 2020, and small traders and wage workers accounted for around 75% of those job losses. Amit Choudhary at Upaya Social Ventures explores how Upaya pivoted to support small businesses during that challenging time, discussing the evolving funding strategies it used — and how these approaches can provide a model for the broader impact investing sector during periods of crisis.
- Categories
- Investing
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Press Release: Launch of the First Impact Loan Facility for Coral Reef Conservation
The Blue Finance Facility aims to support the development of innovative reef-positive businesses that bolster the Blue Economy in and around the Marine Protected Areas.
- Categories
- Environment, Investing
- Region
- Global
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$1.57 Billion Loan From World Bank Approved for Nigeria
The bank said the money would help increase availability and effectiveness of financing for basic education and primary healthcare service delivery.
- Categories
- Education, Health Care
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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African Countries Eye World’s First Joint ‘Debt-For-Nature’ Swap
Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique have all lost significant portions of mangrove shoreline, coral reefs and fish stock since the 1980s, threatening loss of livelihoods, food security and income from tourism.
- Categories
- Environment
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- impact bonds, lending, tourism
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