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Analysis: USAID’s Exit Leaves a Gap in the Drive for Meaningful Connectivity
Sonia Jorge, founder and executive director of the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership (GDIP), says meaningful connectivity requires affordable access, adequate network quality, a device capable of using relevant services, regular use and the skills to participate safely and productively online. A basic connection may allow a call or a mobile-money transaction, but it may not be enough for telemedicine, education, public information or an online business.
- Categories
- Technology, Telecommunications
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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IFC Supports Expansion of Financing for Kenya’s Small Businesses through the First Catalytic First Loss Guarantee Transactions in Africa
The CFLG is an innovative program delivered under IFC's $4 billion MSME Platform, enabling IFC to provide first-loss coverage to partner financial institutions by leveraging blended finance through the International Development Association's Private Sector Window (IDA PSW).
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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KCB Bank Kenya and European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) Sign US$100 Million Facility to Expand SME Financing
Under the framework, 35 per cent of the facility will be directed towards women and youth-led enterprises, while 30 per cent will finance eligible green investments, enabling businesses to adopt climate-smart technologies and sustainable business practices.
- Categories
- Agriculture, Environment, Finance, Investing, Social Enterprise
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Small Steps Taken Towards Greater Gender Diversity in African Startup Ecosystem in Last 2 Years, Says New Report
The report was released in partnership with industry stakeholders, led by Madica, an Africa-focused pre-seed investment programme dedicated to empowering underrepresented and underfunded mission-driven founders.
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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OPEC Fund Provides $50 Million Loan to Vietnam’s SeABank for Small Business and Climate Financing
In a statement on Monday, SeABank said the loan can help it increase lending to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which account for around half of employment in Vietnam but continue to face a significant financing gap.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- South Asia
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Press Release: Catalyst Fund Deepens Bet on Africa’s Climate Resilience Founders
Catalyst Fund, the pan-African venture fund and venture builder backing founders from pre-seed to Series A, has announced the completion of its second close, with total commitments now reaching $30 million.
- Categories
- Environment, Investing
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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ADB, HDBank Sign $100 Million Loan to Expand Access to Finance for MSMEs, Women-Owned Businesses in Viet Nam
The financing will support HDBank’s medium- to long-term lending, with at least 40% of ADB’s financing directed to WMSMEs to provide more opportunities for women business owners. Proceeds will be on-lent to eligible MSMEs in line with HDBank’s sustainable finance framework, expanding support for underserved segments.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- South Asia
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British International Investment and Laxmi Sunrise Bank Partner to Unlock Finance for Nepal’s Small Businesses and Women Entrepreneurs
By providing long-term capital to underserved businesses, the partnership is expected to support jobs, entrepreneurship and the growth of a more inclusive private sector across Nepal.
- Categories
- Investing
- Region
- Asia Pacific
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