Here’s your Daily Brief for December 7th: The Next Generation of Microfinance: Microfranchising (via Allyu and BeyondProfit) – One of the challenges for microfinance institutions is covering their overhead expenses. I’ve written about my friend Ben Lyon’s approach to integrating mobile platforms that deliver microfinance services at much lower cost (See FrontlineSMS: Credit). Melissa Richer, [...]

Here’s your Daily Brief for August 20th: AGOA Nations Frustrated By Administration’s Adherence To Status Quo (via The Whitaker Group) – I wrote a post a few weeks ago about the African Growth and Opportunity Act that was being promoted at the AGOA Forum by several high ranking US officials including Secretary Clinton. This excellent [...]

Here’s your Daily Brief for August 19th: ICT regulation relaxed to attract foreign investors (via Business Daily) – It is clear that ICT is going to be Africa’s “Renaissance”. With SEACOM and TEAMS boosting connectivity levels, the government of Kenya is reviewing its laws and regulations to better attract foreign investment to the sector. The [...]

Here’s your Daily Brief for August 13th: A Global Surge in Tiny Loans Spurs Credit Bubble in a Slum (via WSJ Subscription Req.) – Development economists will tell you that credit is necessary in the fight against poverty because it allows individuals and families to get through difficult times (eg. drought), send children to school, [...]

Here’s your Daily Brief for August 3rd: US Africa Trade on Exhibition at 8th Annual AGOA Forum (via Africa Business Source) – A nice overview of this weeks AGOA forum. Makes the good point that the issue needing MOST focus is no longer market access, but rather building up the competitiveness of African Countries by [...]