CGAPGhana has become the first country in Africa to launch a digital financial services (DFS) policy according to CGAP. The government hopes that the policy can support various measures it is taking to leverage DFS in its COVID-19 response. Developed with technical support from CGAP and funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs
CGAPA new resource from CGAP on how business leaders can navigate the technology decisions required for an API initiative. The “Technology Building Blocks for an Open API Strategy” draws on the experiences of five DFS providers in opening APIs in emerging economies. “While implementing open APIs is about more than good technology, inappropriate technology decisions
MercyCorps AFAIn 2015, Mercy Corps launched the AgriFin Accelerate (AFA) Programme; a six-year, $24 million project with an ambitious goal of reaching one million farmers with digital financial services across Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia. This blog focused on Zambia tells the story of the program between 2015 and 2019 during which AFA and a network of
AVLInclusive fintech has always had to find a balance between tech and human touch, but the global pandemic is shifting that balance, writes Accion Venture Lab’s Amee Parbhoo. In this blog, Parbhoo writes that during this time, fintechs have to continuously engage and support their customers especially low-income communities for whom in-person interactions are the
FIBRAs the economic effects of the lockdowns worldwide begin to solidify, businesses large and small are collapsing, write BFA Global’s Coco Dong and Michelle Hassan. In Kenya and China, small and medium enterprises are struggling to stay afloat. Given the difficulty in accessing government support, many owners have found their own solutions to stay in
CGAPAccording to UNHCR estimates, there are 70.8 million Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs) worldwide. The global COVID19 pandemic will have severe effects on not just their health but also on their ability to meet their most basic needs. In this timely blog, the authors call for a coordinated global response that ensures that the FDPs have
CGAPSenior financial sector specialist Stefan Staschen makes a strong case for open banking in emerging markets and why it would be important especially today in a COVID-19 world. Open banking, he writes, could advance financial inclusion in emerging markets by dealing with some of the pain points related to spending, savings, and credit, usually experienced
AVLAccion’s work to build inclusive, resilient communities through access to quality financial services, including credit, savings, and insurance, is more critical than ever. Accion continues to support its partners who are now rapidly adapting to meet new needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. But, more help is still needed. Donate to support Accion to continue
AVLAn interview with the founder of Flex Finance, a Nigerian app for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Flex Finance which won AVL’s fintech startup builder program competition last year in November helps businesses budget, track expenses, and other financial management tasks. According to the founder Yemi Olulana, the app has proved useful for small
CGAPCGAP is refocusing its work on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and in particular, paying special attention to four areas that play a vital role in furthering financial inclusion. These four include the MFI sector; distribution and government-to-person payments; understanding the impact on customers; and guidance for funders and investors. As part of its strategy, CGAP