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Launching India’s Microinsurance Revolution: How the Sector Can Build Upon Growing Customer Awareness Due to COVID-19
Since the start of COVID-19, customers in low- and middle-income countries like India have had an increased understanding of the value of insurance. But as Moin Qazi explains, typical insurance schemes are often unsuited for the unique needs of this population. He explores how microinsurance can better address these needs, and how providers and policymakers can capitalize on low-income customers' growing awareness of insurance's benefits – while navigating the business challenges of serving these communities.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Health Care
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Etherisc To Offer Blockchain-Based Crop Insurance To Kenyan Farmers
The project aims to provide a blockchain-based parametric insurance platform that helps protect smallhold farmers from the effects of climate change.
- Categories
- Agriculture, Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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BIMA Nabs $30 Million More for Micro- Health and Life Insurance Aimed at Emerging Markets
The coronavirus global health pandemic — and the new emphasis on social distancing to slow down the spread of COVID-19 — has put healthcare and tech services used to enable healthcare remotely under the spotlight.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Health Care, Investing
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The Future of Microfinance: An Interview With Ira W. Lieberman
Though its profile is somewhat lower than in its heyday, microfinance remains a relevant player in the development sector, supporting some 200 million people worldwide. A new book, “The Future of Microfinance,” contemplates the industry's tumultuous evolution and future development. NextBillion spoke with Ira W. Lieberman, a co-editor of the book, to discuss its thought-provoking insights.
- Categories
- Finance, NextBillion Originals
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Extending Insurance in Times of Crisis: How an Innovative Partnership is Serving Low-Income Micro-Business Owners in Indonesia
During a crisis like COVID-19, insurance can offer businesses in developed countries some degree of resilience. However, entrepreneurs in emerging markets often lack the access or awareness to take advantage of this protection. Carlie Joselowitz at N-Frnds discusses the challenges of delivering insurance to these small businesses – and an innovative partnership that aims to solve them.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Investing
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Formal Insurance for Informal Labor: How Microinsurance Can Cover Young Workers in the Gig Economy
The gig economy is a growing source of employment for youth in emerging markets. But these workers often face a lack of social benefits, including access to insurance – and this vulnerability has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysts at MSC discuss some innovative ways insurers can extend some of the formal economy's protections to these informal workers.
- Categories
- Finance
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Changing Mindsets to Empower Women: Roshaneh Zafar, On How Kashf Foundation Helped Microfinance Take Root in Pakistan
There was no shortage of skeptics when Roshaneh Zafar first started talking about launching a microfinance institution with a focus on women's empowerment in Pakistan. But over two decades after founding Kashf Foundation, Zafar has proven them wrong. In this video Q&A, she discusses how she brought the first specialized microfinance institution to Pakistan – and crafted an approach that helps the country's female entrepreneurs overcome the unique barriers they face.
- Categories
- Entrepreneurship, Finance
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Badly Needed, Hard to Deliver: The Challenges of Selling Drought Insurance to African Farmers
Millions of poor farmers in Africa can't move beyond subsistence levels because of droughts and other weather disasters. Insuring farmers against these risks is key to helping build their resilience to climate shocks. But providing this insurance – while making a profit – is no easy matter. Jim Hight explores the challenges in discussing WorldCover, a drought insurance provider that's gaining traction in Africa.
- Categories
- Agriculture, Finance
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