FinDev COVID-19 Update | 11 - 24 Feb 2021
A roundup of the most relevant coronavirus-related news, resources and events from the past two weeks
CBE-Hosted Fintech Innovation Sprint Launched to Address COVID-19 Challenges
The initiative comes as part of Egypt’s fintech and innovation strategy that aims to achieve the state’s goals in using technology, as well as promoting innovation and financial inclusion.
Pandemic Gives Extra Momentum to Cashless Drive in Japan
With more people avoiding physical cash amid the COVID-19 pandemic, digital payments are becoming more popular in Japan.
IFC Initiative to Help Financial Institutions Support Small Businesses Disrupted by Pandemic
The new Base of the Pyramid Program will provide up to $400 million to microfinance institutions, non-bank financial institutions, and banks that are focused on micro, small, and medium enterprises.
FinDev COVID-19 Update | 28 Jan - 10 Feb 2021
A roundup of the most relevant coronavirus-related news, resources and events from the past two weeks
Ethiopia Sees Jump in Mobile Payments Despite COVID-19
COVID-19 has created many disruptions in Ethiopia this year, impacting both merchants and consumers.
China Mobile Payment Gains Fueled by Pandemic
The annual survey on mobile payments showed 98 percent of respondents indicated mobile was their most commonly used payment method, up 5 percentage points from 2019.
Super Apps Rising: Mobile Drives Digital Payments Uptick in Pakistan
The pandemic and the rise of mobile infrastructure have set the stage to bring people living in developing and emerging economies into the digital realm.
IFC and PasarPolis Partner Amid Pandemic to Boost Microinsurance Safety Nets for Indonesia’s Most Vulnerable
Under an agreement, IFC will provide PasarPolis with $5 million in equity finance to develop infrastructure to connect insurers, digital platforms and customers unserved by the traditional insurance sector.
Digital Payments — Not Cash — Is Now King in Asia’s Payment Ecosystem
Notwithstanding border restrictions, the region’s digital payments ecosystem is growing as countries collaborate to connect their domestic payment systems.