How AMIR Has Fostered Consumer Protection Practices Amidst COVID-19
In effort to safeguard employees and clients, the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda (AMIR) instituted various measures to raise awareness about the virus and control its spread in the industry.
Rwanda Waives Charges on Digital Payments
The National Bank of Rwanda has instructed mobile network operators to waive charges on all transfers with bank wallets, person-to-person and merchant fees on payments.
Colombia: IFC $100M Loan to Davivienda Supports Women-owned SMEs, Housing, Agribusiness
The loan will boost the bank’s ability to increase its lending for low-income housing, women-owned small and medium enterprises, and sustainable agribusiness projects in the country.
Symbiotics Launches $10,5M Social Bond With La Hipotecaria Colombia
The proceeds of the Social Bond will be used to finance access to financing services, with its eligible subcategories: affordable housing and household financing.
QR Codes Turn Colombia's Cash-Centric Consumers Digital
A recent report found 86 percent of consumers in Colombia — approximately 1.6 million individuals — who had never had a bank account signed up for one between April and November 2020.
COVID-19 Recovery Funds Benefit to 3,000 Businesses in Rwanda
The Executive Director of Association of Microfinance Institutions said that a total amount ranging between RWF 4 billion ($4M) and RWF 5 billion ($5M) has been channeled through microfinance institutions to help small businesses recover from COVID-19 effects.
Mi Siembra Segura: Parametric Insurance to Protect Vulnerable Rural Communities in Colombia, With UNDP
The UNDP's RRF2 program aims to support rural organizations made up of a vulnerable populations.
Colombia Is in Talks With Brazil to Implement the Pix Payment System
Colombia is looking to minimize the use of cash in the country and boost the financial inclusion of its most vulnerable citizens.
BBVA Microfinance Foundation’s Institutions Establish Measures for the 2.2 Million Entrepreneurs It Serves During the Health Crisis
Aligned with its social purpose and in light of COVID-19’s progress in Latin America, BBVA Microfinance Foundation’s six institutions in five countries in the region have adopted urgent and necessary measures to help its 2.2 million clients cope with this situation.
Banco W Issuing $40M “Social Bond,” Funded by IDB Invest to Promote Gender Equity in Colombia via Microfinance
The funds are slated to reach 25,000 female-led microenterprises and support the “development of the capital markets and thematic bonds in Colombia.”