CDC Democratizes Open-source Data With Access Insights Platform
By Soko Directory Team / Published April 19, 2021 | 12:07 pm KEY POINTS
The platform launch will be followed by subsequent launches in Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.
CDC Group has announced the Access Insights Platform (AIP) launch – an open-source data visualization tool delivering key insights that enable businesses across multiple sectors to make data-informed decisions.
The platform has been developed by Catalyst Off-Grid Advisors and is funded by CDC Plus, CDC Group’s technical assistance, and support facility.
Tackling the challenge of handling data effectively and efficiently – the AIP aggregates key data sets, including geospatial mapping, census data, and business intelligence, on an easy-to-use public-facing tool.
DEG, FMO, CDC Group and Team Europe have signed a $100m (Kshs 11bn) loan facility with Equity Group Holdings in its continued commitment to strategically walk with MSMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is the fourth tranche for Equity Group after having signed a $50m (Kshs 5.5bn) loan facility with IFC in September; a $100m (Kshs 11.0bn) from Proparco in October and a €125m (Kshs 16.5 Billion) loan facility signed last week with the European Investment Bank to fortify credit flows and liquidity to MSMEs totaling Kshs 44bn.
Supporting MSMEs is a long-term priority particularly as the segment remains under-financed and in need of patient capital.
Equity Group Holdings Plc. on Wednesday signed a $100 million USD loan facility with Germany’s DEG, the UK’s CDC Group, and the Netherlands FMO in its continued commitment to walk with MSMEs to survive the pandemic, recover, repurpose and thrive during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Equity launched an offensive and defensive approach to support customers while innovating alongside MSMEs who are leveraging on the opportunities that have presented within the crisis.
The Group has also provided loan repayment accommodation and rescheduling for up to 45% of the customers whose cashflows were deemed likely to be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In its third-quarter 2020 results, Equity reported a 30% growth in its loan book to support customers who saw opportunities for green shoots and diversifications in the COVID-19 environment. Most of the new opportunities funded are in the manufacturing of PPE, logistics, online businesses, agro