FinDev COVID-19 Update | 17 - 30 Jun 2021
A roundup of the most relevant coronavirus-related news, resources and events from the past two weeks
Philippines: QR Code Transactions Near P1 Billion
The value of transactions using the QR (quick response) technology via the national QR code standard reached almost P1 billion as of end-May, as more Filipinos embrace digital channels amid the pandemic.
responsAbility Launches Social Bond to Support Financial Inclusion and Health Post-COVID
The $177.5 million social bond will bundle loans to innovative companies in capital-scarce regions which operate in the financial inclusion, healthcare and WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) sectors, and that have a measurable, positive social impact.
EIB Backs Palestinian Startups With a $50 Million Line of Credit to Bank of Palestine
The European Investment Bank (EIB) extended a $50 million line of credit to Bank of Palestine to support the resilience of the Palestinian private sector through on-lending to local SMEs, as part of Team Europe’s overall response to the Covid-19 crisis.
World Bank Approves $450 Million Loan to Help Morocco Improve Access to Financial Services
The financing is part of a program that supports policy measures to enable the rollout of the country’s social protection program, including the creation of digital IDs and cashless payments as part of cash transfer programs.
Vietnam: Virtual Events Scheduled to Mark Cashless Day
Data from the State Bank of Vietnam shows that the number of non-cash transactions has been on a rise in Vietnam during the pandemic.
FinDev COVID-19 Update | 03 - 16 Jun 2021
A roundup of the most relevant coronavirus-related news, resources and events from the past two weeks
IFC and KMF to Help Micro and Small Entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan Weather the Impact of COVID-19
Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Kazakhstan stand to benefit from a new investment which aims to help businesses recover from the economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, resume operations, and adapt to the post-crisis environment.
Latin America and the Caribbean Leaders Look to Digital & Women for Sustainable Recovery
High-level representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean noted that digital means continued to offer alternative modes for countries to achieve their financial inclusion goals and reach worst-impacted groups.