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Leveraging the Currency of Trust: How Social Commerce Data Can Inform Risk Management and Bring Formal Finance to Women-Led MSMEs
Across emerging markets, millions of women entrepreneurs operate in trust-based economies invisible to formal credit systems. As Nabilla Prita Fiandini and Monica Christy at MicroSave Consulting (MSC) explain, these businesses rely on their social reputations and customer relationships to survive, and often use platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to market their products. They share insights from a recent MSC report based on surveys and interviews with hundreds of social sellers across Indonesia, exploring how data from these entrepreneurs' social commerce activity can be used to boost their access to formal finance.
- Categories
- Finance
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Report: Accelerating Clean Energy Procurement in the Asia-Pacific Region Through Improved Power Purchase Agreements
The report describes how PPAs work, identifies best design practices, and provides recommendations for four key APAC markets: Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Vietnam.
- Categories
- Energy, Technology
- Region
- Asia Pacific
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Press Release: Energy Transition Technologies Set to Open New Opportunities for Global Energy Systems
New IRENA report maps 40 innovations for policymakers to strategically build resilient power systems, expand energy access and drive local development.
- Categories
- Energy, Technology
- Region
- Global
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Mexico Raises Health Taxes on Sugary Drinks, Tobacco for 2026
Authorities say the funds are expected to support health objectives, although the legislation does not explicitly earmark the revenue for health spending, a point that has drawn criticism from researchers and civil society groups.
- Categories
- Health Care
- Region
- Latin America
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Nigeria Moves to Approve Landmark Law Regulating Artificial Intelligence
If passed, the bill would introduce a structured, risk-based approach to AI regulation, with a focus on ethical use, transparency and accountability.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Report: EV Subsidies Cut Emissions Unevenly, With Electric Two-Wheelers Delivering Bigger Gains Than Cars
A new study finds India’s electric vehicle incentives offer stronger climate returns for two-wheelers, raising questions over how subsidies are targeted.
- Categories
- Environment, Transportation
- Region
- Asia Pacific
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US to Withdraw From Dozens of UN, International Organisations
The sweeping changes will see the US quit major forums for cooperation on climate change, peace and democracy.
- Categories
- Investing
- Region
- Global
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Analysis: Despite Record Turnout, Only 14% of Indigenous Brazilians Are Expected to Access Decision-Making Spaces at COP30
"Leaders are demanding a bigger role in the negotiations and the inclusion of land demarcation as climate policy."
- Categories
- Environment
- Region
- Global
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