Global Envision: Financial Inclusion

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Inclusion

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Mobile Technology

Short film: Uganda’s love of mobile money

In just over four years, 9 million Ugandans have jumped aboard the mobile money bandwagon-- buying, selling and saving with their mobile devices.

Financial Inclusion

Dear World Bank: focus on these six countries to get the most ‘banked’ for your buck

Perhaps the World Bank’s recent initiative to reach universal financial inclusion by 2020 isn’t that far off.

Financial Inclusion

Cash cows: Why making bank accounts function like livestock will help the poor

In an age of mobile banking and digital transactions, many poor people still shun basic banking services and put their extra money in livestock. Why?

Financial Inclusion

Quotable: Universal financial access by 2020 is possible

The World Bank president believes that innovations in approach and technology will boost progress on financial inclusion.

Financial Inclusion

When rural clients can't get to the bank, mobile banking vans bring the bank to them

Mobile banking vans in Uganda, Rwanda and the Philippines now offer bank accounts, financial education and microinsurance to rural customers who previously had little access to financial services.

Mobile Technology

Infographic: Which countries have more mobile money accounts than bank accounts?

Africa is showing the world how mobile money can help build economies.

Sustainable Energy

Free trials and payment plans: Innovative ways to market clean energy products in rural Uganda

Families in rural northern Uganda who cook over open fires and use kerosene as their primary light source face numerous health and safety issues - they should be rushing to buy fuel efficient cookstoves and solar units. Why aren't they?

Financial Inclusion

Microfinance in the crosshairs: Will Kyrgyzstan's usury bill backfire?

Microfinance has become a subject of controversy, as predatory lenders and unfair interest rates have tarnished its image and led to government interventions. But in Kyrgyzstan, a country with little financial regulation and no sovereign credit rating, increasing regulations may soon have negative consequences for the very clients they're intended to protect.

Financial Inclusion

Infographic: Why it’s Africa’s turn for an economic boom

Africa now has a $2 trillion economy, and it’s poised to keep growing--fast.

Financial Inclusion

Econ 101: Three different ways to lift girls out of poverty

New projects that teach young women how to start a business, hold a bank account, and apply for financial aid can help to give them better futures out of the hallmarks of poverty -- poor health care, forced marriage, and early childbirth.