Emerging Markets Today

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This is an encore episode! In 2021, I had the pleasure of interviewing Vinh Ho, an American entrepreneur and host of the podcast "Focus Asia Pacific". We talked about Vietnam's economic growth and its emergence as a rising star in Southeast Asia.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

Vietnam's Tech-Savvy Youth: Vinh shared his admiration for the young generation in Vietnam. Their tech-savviness is driving the country's startup ecosystem and the rise of mobile payments. Opportunities Amidst Chaos: Vinh believes that where there is chaos, there is potential for improvement and better offerings. He sees Vietnam as the "wild west" of opportunities, a stark contrast to the complacency often found in the West. China vs Vietnam: We discussed the differences between China and Vietnam in terms of technology and mobile payments. Interestingly, Vietnam's reasonable wages, which are one-third the price of China, make it an attractive place for businesses. Vihn's Journey: He shared his personal journey of moving to Vietnam and his passion for the country's business and manufacturing opportunities. As a sourcing agent, he's helping companies navigate this vibrant landscape.

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The year was 2021, in the middle of the Covid pandemic and I interviewed Carlos Kazuo Missao, and he was the director of the GFT Group in Brazil. This episode captured all the changes the fintech sector was going through (and still is).

Here's a sneak peek of what we discussed:

The Brazilian Fintech Landscape: Brazil is a hotbed for entrepreneurs and interconnected individuals, making it an exciting environment for fintech. The pandemic has even accelerated digital transformation in the financial market, leading to the success of challenger banks and digital wallets.

The Power of PIX: We discussed the new instant payment solution, PIX, launched by the Brazilian central bank. It's revolutionizing payments in Brazil, with over 2 billion reais transferred in the first month alone!

The Rise of Digital Wallets: Digital wallets have thrived in Brazil as a cheaper way to handle digital money. They've become marketplaces where users can transact money between companies and access consumer financial services.

Banking the Unbanked: We touched on the issue of unbanked individuals in Brazil, and how digital wallets and light apps with financial services are reaching this population. The pandemic has even led to a surge in the number of people becoming banked overnight.

Open Banking Revolution: Carlos shared his insights on the importance of open banking regulation in Brazil, aiming to democratize access to financial services and create a more competitive environment.

Carlos believes that this is just the beginning for the fintech sector in Brazil. With the country's entrepreneurial spirit, the availability of technology, and supportive regulations, the future looks promising.

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Last year, I had the pleasure of chatting Ian Herbison, the CEO of the Speyside Group. We had a very insightful conversation about India's potential in the emerging markets, and I'm excited to share some key takeaways with you.

1. India's Golden Decade: Ian and I discussed the buzz around India's golden decade, highlighting the country's growing domestic market and its increasing importance in global supply chains. With a large consumer base and a growing middle class, India is attracting foreign investment and playing a key role in the diversification of supply chains away from China.

2. Semiconductors and the Digital Economy: We delved into the significance of semiconductors in the digital economy and the current tensions between China and the West. Ian highlighted India's role in securing the global supply of semiconductors, mentioning the partnership between the Vedanta Group and Foxconn to establish a mega factory in Gujarat, India.

3. India's "Make in India" Strategy: We touched upon India's "Make in India" strategy, which aims to attract foreign investors while promoting the use of Indian-manufactured products. We also discussed the need for infrastructure investment in India and the involvement of domestic and foreign companies in this sector.

4. Digital Innovation in India: Ian highlighted India's unique approach to digital payments, including the development of a national digital payments system. We also discussed the complexities and challenges of doing business in emerging markets, specifically focusing on India.

5. Political Stability and Economic Growth: We compared India to other emerging markets like Brazil and Southeast Asian countries, noting that India's political stability is a crucial factor for economic growth.

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I had the pleasure of speaking with Aziz Musa, the founder of Cush Digital, a leading digital marketing agency in North Africa.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

1️⃣ Navigating Challenges in Emerging Countries: Aziz highlighted the difficulties of working in a nascent market like Sudan, from infrastructure issues to talent gaps. It's not an easy feat, but it's fascinating to hear how businesses like Cush Digital are overcoming these obstacles and thriving in such environments.

2️⃣ The Power of Adaptability: Aziz's journey to Egypt was unexpected, driven by the war in Sudan. This highlights the importance of adaptability in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Aziz's ability to pivot and make the best of the situation is truly inspiring.

3️⃣ North Africa's Untapped Potential: While sub-Saharan Africa often takes the spotlight, Aziz shed light on the opportunities and potential in North Africa. He emphasized the importance of exploring and understanding this region's unique market dynamics and consumer behavior for businesses looking to expand their presence. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠.

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In this episode, I chat with Paul Breloff, co-founder of Shortlist, about the pivotal role of human capital in Africa's economic trajectory.

Shortlist provides executive search services and work force development for leading startups and impact organizations in Africa.

Here's a snapshot of our conversation:

1️⃣ The Power of People: While big ideas capture attention, it's the individuals behind them that truly make a difference. Discover how Shortlist is addressing the challenges of finding and developing the right talent in Africa.

2️⃣ Why Africa? Paul's journey from a small town in Western New York to working extensively in India and Africa offers a unique perspective on the booming startup and innovation economy in the continent.

3️⃣ Challenges & Opportunities: From data problems to experience gaps, Paul discusses the unique talent dynamics in Africa. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on approaches and the need for on-the-job training for young professionals.

4️⃣ Impact Organizations: Learn about businesses that address significant social problems while working with markets. Paul shares his experiences with companies that focus on renewable power, green growth, and more.

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We're chatting about the new and exciting businesses in Latin America through the lens of venture capital, so I invited Daniel Lloreda and he is a managing partner at H20 capital, a early-stage venture capital fund with operations in Miami, Mexico & Colombia.

We talked about innovative startups you might not have heard of - what I like to call "unsexy businesses" - those that don't get the big headlines on TechCrunch but are solving real life problems with truly innovative solutions.

Also, why businesses are choosing countries closer to the US more specifically Latin America and and why expats from Latin America choose to start their companies in the US.

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In this episode, we dive into the world of FinTech in emerging markets and discuss some key insights with our special guest, Sherry Jiang, co-founder and CEO of Bluejay Finance,  a FinTech company that provides financial services to underbanked populations in Asia.

Here are three major takeaways from our conversation:

1️⃣ Moving from Cash to Digital Payments: One of the most fascinating topics we explored was how emerging economies are transitioning from cash-based transactions to digital payments. Sherry shared some incredible insights on how FinTech companies like Bluejay Finance are revolutionizing the financial landscape in Asia by providing financial services to underbanked populations. The potential for growth and financial inclusion in these markets is truly remarkable! 

2️⃣ Bridging the Gender Gap: We also discussed the gender gap in financial inclusion and how it affects the adoption of digital payment solutions. Sherry highlighted the importance of creating a sense of belonging and connection with the brand. She mentioned that the presence of predominantly male figures in digital payment advertising can make it seem like a techie product, alienating women and hindering their confidence to try it out. It's crucial for FinTech companies to bridge this gap and make their services more inclusive and accessible to all. 

3️⃣ The Future of FinTech in Emerging Markets: Sherry shared her excitement about the future of FinTech in emerging markets. She emphasized the opportunities for innovation and the ability to bypass traditional distribution channels. With the rise of platforms like Bluejay Finance, investors and companies can connect directly, fostering a more resourceful and efficient financial ecosystem.

If you want to learn more about these topics and gain valuable insights from Sherry, make sure to tune in to the full episode on Emerging Markets Today! You can find it on your favorite podcast platform or visit our website. 

And don't forget to connect with Sherry on LinkedIn! She's always interested in building her community and sharing her expertise. 

Thank you all for your continued support, and a big shoutout to Sherry for joining us on the show. Remember, the future of FinTech is bright, and we're excited to be a part of this incredible journey! 

Don’t forget to follow / subscribe to his podcast for the upcoming episodes and visit the site ⁠www.emergingmarkets.today⁠

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I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shalom Ben Or, the co-founder and CEO of Avenews, a financial super app for the 2.5 million agribusinesses in Africa. Based in Israel with operations in Kenya, Shalom shared some fascinating insights that left me with three major takeaways:

1️⃣ Agriculture is a powerhouse in Africa: Did you know that agriculture is one of the biggest industries on the continent, employing a majority of the population? With a conservative estimate of 2.5 million agribusinesses in sub-Saharan Africa alone, there is immense potential for growth and innovation in this sector.

2️⃣ FinTech and agribusiness are a match made in heaven: Shalom highlighted the intersection of FinTech and emerging markets, specifically in the context of agribusiness. He emphasized that FinTech solutions, especially those catering to businesses (B2B FinTechs), are the future of Africa. This presents a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike to leverage technology for financial inclusion and economic development.

3️⃣ Africa is the catalyst for the future: Shalom and his team at Avenews firmly believe that Africa holds the key to unlocking immense opportunities. Through their work with Techstars and Barclays, they have embedded themselves into the African market and witnessed firsthand the potential it holds. As the continent continues to embrace technology and innovation, the future looks incredibly bright.

Don’t forget to follow / subscribe to his podcast for the upcoming episodes and visit the site www.emergingmarkets.today

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I had the pleasure of speaking with Aaron Stanley, the founder of the Brazil Crypto Report. We explored the fintech scene, the cryptocurrency sector, and even Brazil's new digital currency (CBDC), the Real Digital.

Here are a couple of key takeaways from our conversation:

• Fintech and Cryptocurrency Boom in Brazil: Aaron shared fascinating insights into the rapid growth of the fintech and cryptocurrency industries in Brazil. With a dynamic ecosystem and a strong focus on innovation, Brazil is becoming a hotspot for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
• High-Level Use Cases: One interesting trend discussed was the shift towards higher-level use cases in Brazil's cryptocurrency space. As the payments use case becomes more established, entrepreneurs are now exploring asset tokenization and other innovative applications. This opens up exciting opportunities for investors and developers in the country.
• The Real Digital: The pilot project for the digital real kicked off in June and is expected to last for 18 months. This ambitious project sets Brazil apart as one of the most innovative countries in the development of CBDCs. The design of the digital real, with its focus on tokenization and wholesale use, adds value to the economy and has the potential to transform the entire financial system.

If you're curious to learn more about Brazil's financial sector and the cryptocurrency scene, make sure to tune in to this episode.

You can find it on all podcast platforms and don't forget to subscribe to Aaron's newsletter the Brazil Crypto Report on Substack!

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#BrazilFinance #Cryptocurrency #Fintech #BrazilCryptoReport

This episode is all about financial inclusion, from payment insfractrures to digital wallets and the token economy. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmanuel Daniel, a global thought leader in the future of finance and the founder of the research company, The Asian Banker. Emmanuel is also the author of the book, "The Great Transition - the Personalization of Finance is Here", which we discuss in detail during the episode. Here are my three takeaways from the conversation: - Financial inclusion is not as benevolent as it seems: Emmanuel challenges the idea that financial inclusion is always a good thing. He argues that as long as we think of financial services as something that needs to be put on platforms and monetized, the whole idea of financial inclusion will remain flawed. - The future of finance is personalization: Emmanuel's book explores the idea that the operating principle of the platform industry is starting to change, and people have more control over what they do. He argues that the future of finance is personalization, where individuals have more control over their financial lives. - The token economy is changing the game. The use of tokens in exchange for products and services is becoming more widespread, and this trend is only going to continue. Emmanuel provides valuable insights into how this will impact the financial industry. Follow Emmanuel Daniel: Twitter - https://twitter.com/EmmanuelDaniel Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/emmanueldanielasianbanker Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/edanielmoments/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-daniel-5764482/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAVolSuHiFGFnEbnLpuS5kg/videos =========== Don't forget to visit the Emerging Markets Today website. Let's keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Paypal or Cryptocurrencies using this link https://ko-fi.com/apicasso. Follow us on Twitter @todayemerging  And follow me on Twitter @a_picasso

This is an encore episode about how a project in Uganda is reaching underserved areas where testing for malaria can be challenging and having the diagnosis early can be a matter of life or death.

So I invited not one but 3 guests to talk about the project. In the first part of the episode I spoke to Professor Jon Cooper and Julien Reboud from the Bioengineering school at the University of Glasgow - we talked about how the project came about - the technology behind the testing - cleverly named origami testing because it is based on folded sheets of waxed paper. Also, how smartphones are used as a power source providing electricity to process the test.

You can see the test in action in this link. 

In the second part, I spoke to Lito Michala, Lecturer at the University of Glasgow in the school of computing science focused on IoT.

We talked about why they chose the blockchain technology to store and share the data of the malaria test results. It was a very interesting chat and worth a listen, even if you are not too familiar with what the blockchain technology is.

A big thanks to the guys of news site The Conversation where I read about the project for the first time. They have very interesting content about global issues and a podcast called The Conversation weekly.

Also, I strongly recommend that you read about the project in this link.

===========

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This episode is all about challenges and opportunities in healthcare in emerging markets! In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sylvana Q. Sinha, founder and CEO of Praava Health, Bangladesh’s fastest growing healthcare brand. Sylvana explained me the healthcare sector in Bangladesh, its challenges and opportunities for private healthcare startups. The major challenges in the sector include maintaining quality standards and providing access to quality diagnostic testing.

As a solution to the quality gap, Sylvana founded Praava Health to provide high-quality outpatient healthcare that incorporates primary care, secondary care, lab and imaging diagnostics, and pharmacy services. It was interesting to learn about the innovative approach that Praava Health is taking to address the challenges in the healthcare sector in Bangladesh.

We also discussed the challenges of raising capital in emerging markets, particularly for women-founded businesses. It was insightful to hear Sylvana's perspective on this issue, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare sector in emerging markets - and I think you will do too!

============= Don't forget to check out ⁠emergingmarkets.today⁠

You can support our ad-free podcast and site by making a donation to help us bring you more valuable insights and perspectives on emerging markets. Any amount helps. Follow this link to buy me a coffee: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠.

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I had the pleasure of interviewing Cole Shephard, the founder of The Green Coffee Company, the largest coffee production company in Colombia with a focus on sustainable coffee production.

We had a fascinating conversation about Colombia's coffee production, innovation, and sustainability, and compared it to Brazil's coffee production. Cole shared his insights on the differences between the two countries' coffee production models, the history of coffee production in Colombia, and the business models of the coffee industry in both countries.

But that's not all - we also discussed how The Green Coffee Company is leading the way in sustainable coffee production. Cole explained their focus on sustainability, which includes prioritizing human capital and circular economy. It was inspiring to learn how they're making a positive impact on the environment and the community through their practices.

=========================

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You can support our ad-free podcast and site by making a donation to help us bring you more valuable insights and perspectives on emerging markets. Any amount helps. Follow this link to buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/apicasso.

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I had the pleasure of chatting with Ijeoma Ejimadu, an MBA student at Columbia Business School. She is also the founder of Ivery Arie, a NGO providing African women with the mentorship, resources, and education they need to thrive as entrepreneurs.

We discussed the massive potential of Ed Tech in Africa, highlighting companies like Nigerian Andela. Then we moved onto Prop Tech, discussing how it has the potential to transform the property market in Africa, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.

Ijeoma also shared her journey and work with Ivery Arie, which was inspiring. She's passionate about empowering African women and creating a better future for everyone.

So, if you want to know more about these exciting investment sectors and IJoma's inspiring story, head on over and listen to the full episode now!

Ijeoma's Medium articles:

1. Africa’s Most Overlooked Investment Sectors: Education
2. Africa’s Most Overlooked Investment Sectors: PropTech

Follow Ijeoma on Twitter here.

Don't forget to check out emergingmarkets.today

You can support our ad-free podcast and site by making a donation to help us bring you more valuable insights and perspectives on emerging markets. Any amount helps. Follow this link to make a donation and help us keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: https://ko-fi.com/apicasso.

Follow us on Twitter @todayemerging 

And follow me Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter @a_picasso

The text is straight from ChatGPT and the voice you will hear is from Play.ht, another AI powered tool.

Here are the questions I asked:

• What criteria must a country meet to be considered an emerging market?
• Has the definition of an emerging market changed since the term was first used in reference to the BRICS countries?
• Can you share a surprising fact about emerging markets?
• Can you give examples of technological innovations in emerging markets?
• What is your opinion on the trend of fintech startups "banking the unbanked"?
• Can you explain China's investment in Africa in more detail
• Can you suggest countries or regions to watch in the near future that are not part of the BRICS group?

Don't forget to check out emergingmarkets.today

You can support our ad-free podcast and site by making a donation to help us bring you more valuable insights and perspectives on emerging markets. Any amount helps. Follow this link to make a donation and help us keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: https://ko-fi.com/apicasso.

Follow us on Twitter @todayemerging 

And follow me Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter @a_picasso

I sat down with Charles Fry, the founder of Code Exitos, a digital product studio based in Austin, Texas with design studios in Honduras. Charles has first hand experience in discovering and utilizing tech talent in Central America. 

We talked about the potential of tech professionals in Central America and the benefits of utilizing their skills. We focused on the current development hubs in Costa Rica and Honduras and discussed the reasons for outsourcing tech development to Central America, as well as the potential challenges such as language barriers and the benefits of the same timezone as the US. 

It was a great conversation, and I know you'll learn a lot from it.

Don't forget to check out emergingmarkets.today

You can support our ad-free podcast and site by making a donation to help us bring you more valuable insights and perspectives on emerging markets. Any amount helps. Follow this link to make a donation and help us keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: https://ko-fi.com/apicasso.

Follow us on Twitter @todayemerging 

And follow me Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter @a_picasso

In this episode, we are discussing the economic outlook for Brazil in 2023 and beyond. I had the pleasure of speaking with Thomas Samuelson, the founder of BRON, a social network community for investors and listed companies. Thomas has been traveling to Brazil for many years and has a wealth of knowledge about the Latin American investment landscape, particularly in Brazil.

During our conversation, we covered a variety of topics related to the economic future of Brazil. We discussed Lula's comeback and the potential impact it could have on the country's economy. We also talked about the growing fintech industry in Brazil and the role of financial regulation in shaping its development.

If you're interested in learning more about Thomas and his work, be sure to check out the BRON website and his LinkedIn profile. 

Don't forget to check out emergingmarkets.today

You can support our ad-free podcast and site by making a donation to help us bring you more valuable insights and perspectives on emerging markets. Any amount helps. Follow this link to make a donation and help us keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: https://ko-fi.com/apicasso.

Follow us on Twitter @todayemerging 

And follow me Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter @a_picasso

First up, we chat with Alexandre Lemille about the role of emerging markets in creating a socially inclusive circular economy. Alexandre is a circular economy expert and he shares his thoughts on how emerging markets can drive innovation and sustainability through circular business models and social entrepreneurship. Click here to check out the full episode on the Emerging Markets Today site: https://emergingmarkets.today/how-to-create-a-socially-inclusive-circular-economy/

Next, we sit down with John Pabon to discuss China's leadership in sustainability and what it means for emerging markets. John is a sustainability consultant and author of 'Sustainability for the Rest of Us,' and he shares his perspective on how China's sustainability efforts are shaping the global landscape. Click here to listen to the full episode on the Emerging Markets Today site: https://emergingmarkets.today/china-the-global-leader-in-sustainability/

In our conversation with Alex, we delve into the rise of tech innovation in emerging markets and how these startups are disrupting the traditional Silicon Valley model.  Click here to listen to the full episode on Emerging Markets Today: https://emergingmarkets.today/innovation-in-emerging-markets-a-new-perspective/

In our interview with Max, we showcase innovative tech startups that are solving real-life problems in sectors that don't get the big headlines, like fintech. Meet Twiga Foods, a B2B e-commerce platform in Kenya that simplifies the supply chain between fresh food producers, FMCG manufacturers, and retailers. Click here to listen to the full episode on Emerging Markets Today: https://emergingmarkets.today/what-tech-innovation-really-looks-like-in-emerging-markets/

Don't miss these exciting conversations about innovation in emerging markets! Follow the links above to access the full episodes on the Emerging Markets Today site.

Let's keep the podcast and site ad-free: You can support the podcast by donating any amount using this link https://ko-fi.com/apicasso. 

Here is my chat with John Pabon, a sustainability consultant, speaker, and author of the book "Sustainability for the Rest of Us." John lived in China for 10 years, from 2009 to 2019, and he saw firsthand China going from the economic growth "Wild West" of the early 2000s to introducing more ESG policies; however, everything is still very far from perfect.

You can learn more about John and his books here.

======================

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** CLICK HERE TO LEAVE ME YOUR VOICE MESSAGE: Telbee https://sayhi.chat/lula2022 **

I might feature some of your voice messages in the next episode!

Don't forget to visite emergingmarkets.today

Here's my chat with Ian Herbison, the CEO of the Speyside Group, the leading global emerging markets corporate affairs and public policy specialists.

We talked about opportunities for India in two different respects:  as a high growth domestic market of 1.3bn people and as a crucial cog in the global supply chain, and its diversification of supply chain away from China for geo-political reasons e.g. huge investment commitment into semi-conductors. Also, the “Make in India” strategy of the Modi government, digital innovation with mobile payments and much more.

=========================

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Sign up for our monthly newsletter here

You can contact me here

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Let’s keep EMT ad-free: You can support the podcast by donating any amount using this link https://ko-fi.com/apicasso.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter here

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But first, we will talk about Fintech Funding in Latin America and this clip is from the episode Latin America’s Fintech Funding Gold Rush. As you might know, financial inclusion is a recurring theme here on the EMT - so I invited Guy Hartstein a VC analyst from Recharge Capital, LP backed fund with a strong focus in emerging markets.

He told me about the exciting fintech trends in the region, how valuations are different in LatAm compared to the US and what he looks for in a company before making a deal.

And here is the second clip from one of my favorite episodes of 2022: Suriname Economic Development and Wildlife Conservation - I wanted to talk about Suriname and you will learn a lot about the country’s economic situation.

I invited Monique Pool, the founder of Green Heritage Fund Suriname. We talked about everything from economic development to how urbanization is affecting the country’s wildlife.

Monique told me that Suriname is one of the 3 carbon negative countries (along with Butan and Panama) and how she envisions Suriname’s future, hopefully with a green economic development mindset.

Learn more about Monique and the Green Heritage Fund Suriname here

You can contact them here

========================================

Let’s keep EMT ad-free: You can support the podcast by donating any amount using this link https://ko-fi.com/apicasso.

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Follow us on Twitter @todayemerging 

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The first clip is from the episode Unleashing the Power of Data in Emerging Markets where I interviewed Joseph Rutakangwa, co-founder of Rwazi, a company using on-ground data from markets across sub-Saharan Africa. Joseph told me why this is so important for emerging markets economic development in the private sector and also in the public sector.

The second clip is from the episode Empowering Artisan Communities with Financial Inclusion where  I invited Eric Osuorah, the founder of AFOMA, "the goodwill token". He wanted to empower artisans and small businesses in different African communities, so he started Sellitic - a more financial inclusive eCommerce marketplace using a crypto token called AFOMA.

The last clip is from the episode What Tech Innovation Really Looks Like in Emerging Markets where I had a chat with Max Cuvellier, Head of Mobile for Development at GSMA and co-founder of Africa: The Big Deal. We talked about one of the examples of innovation solutions that don’t make big headlines, a startup called Twiga Foods (Kenya) that is simplifying the supply chain between fresh food producers through a B2B e-commerce platform.

If you liked these clips, you can can listen to my conversations in full.

==========================

Don't forget to visit the Emerging Markets Today website.

Let's keep EMT ad-free: You can support the podcast by donating any amount using this link https://ko-fi.com/apicasso.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter here

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Here is my chat with André L. Havas, CEO of CIMalgo, a fintech company providing a web based solution for professional investors. 

We talked how the definition of emerging markets evolved and became more broad, especially in the past 20 years. The definition of emerging markets always came with a connotation of "high risk and high returns" - but not all emerging markets are created the same.

About sustainability: Andre thinks that emerging markets can reach a sustainable future but not without being  a little "unsustainable" at the beginning.

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I invited Max Cuvellier, Head of Mobile for Delopment at GSMA and co-founder of Africa: The Big Deal. We chose 3 tech startups that are solving real life problems with innovative solutions in sectors that don't get the big headlines like fintech companies do.

1. Twiga Foods (Kenya): simplifying the supply chain between fresh food producers, FMCG manufacturers and retailers through a B2B e-commerce platform.

2. Coliba (Ivory Coast): a web, mobile and SMS platform that connects households and businesses with plastic waste pickers.

3. eFishery (Indonesia): provides smart feeding device and software for fish and shrimp farmers.

Subscribe to Africa: The Big Deal here

Follow Max Cuvellier on Twitter

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Learn more about Monique and the Green Heritage Fund Suriname here

You can contact them here

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I interviewed Alexandre Lemille, a circular economy expert advocating for a more socially inclusive circular economy. 

We also talked about regenerative societies and its meaning and why Alexandre believes that emerging markets can leapfrog from the linear economy to a more socially inclusive circular economy, therefore promoting green development alongside economic development.

Check out Alexandre Lemille's site here

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I invited Eric Osuorah, the founder of AFOMA, "the goodwill token". He wanted to empower artisans and small businesses in different African communities, so he started Sellitic - a more financial inclusive eCommerce marketplace using a crypto token called AFOMA.

He told me that these craftsmen and artists want to sell outside of their native countries, but the existing cross-border payment methods (PayPal and bank transfers) are prohibitively expensive, slow, and impractical for small businesses in emerging markets. Also, Eric told me about the difficulties in educating about crypto technology and its benefits, but he already has a strategy in place.

Check out Sellictic here

Check out AFOMA here

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Here is my chat with Alex Lazarow, author of the book Out-Innovate: How Global Entrepreneurs - from Delhi to Detroit - Are Rewriting the Rules of Silicon Valley.

We talked about why emerging markets took over Silicon valley in tech innovation, why being a "camel startup" is sometimes better than an unicorn startup,  what means to be a disruptor and a creator in emerging markets.

Alex Lazarow is also a Global VC analyst and partner at Cathay Innovation

Follow Alex on Twitter and Medium

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And I invited Guy Hartstein a VC analyst from Recharge Capital, a LP backed fund with a strong focus in emerging markets.

He told me about the exciting fintech trends in the region, how valuations are different in LatAm compared to the US and what he looks for in a company before making a deal.

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I interviewed Joseph Rutakangwa, co-founder of Rwazi, a company using on-ground data from markets across sub-Saharan Africa. Joseph told me why this is so important for emerging markets economic development in the private sector and also in the public sector. So he came up with the idea of starting Rwazi using gig workers - what he calls "mappers" - and they provide the most accurate and localized data for companies and NGOs.

If you want to know more about Rwazi click here

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Here is my chat with Rodrigo Echecopar, founder of Nuestra America Verde.

Rodrigo has just got back from COP26 and he told me about his takeaways of the event. But the main topic of our conversations was how Latin America needs a democratic green revolution. He said the path  transition to a more green economy is through international collaboration between Latin American countries.

We also talked about despite Brazil being a cornerstone country it failed to show up in many conversation and sustainability conversations.

Also Rodrigo explained what green populism is - a strategy in politics for change. 

Read Rodrigo's article on EMT: Progressive politics in Latin America needs a Green Democratic Revolution

Check out Nuestra America Verde here

Follow Rodrigo Echecopar on Twitter

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Here is my chat with Andrea Frosinini, a trade finance advisor and he is also on the advisory board of TOTTA (Trans-Oceanic Trade Tech Alliance) and Blockchain Supply Chain Association.

We talked about how the blockchain technology can revolutionize international trade and supply chain, making trade and trade finance more inclusive for businesses in developing countries.

Also, we discussed the challenges for changing the mindset of traditional financial institutions and why Andrea thinks that cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, will cause a bigger impact in emerging markets.

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You can see the test in action in this link. 

(30:36) In the second part, I spoke to Lito Michala, Lecturer at the University of Glasgow in the school of computing science focused on IoT.

We talked about why they chose the blockchain technology to store and share the data of the malaria test results. It was a very interesting chat and worth a listen, even if you are not too familiar with what the blockchain technology is.

A big thanks to the guys of news site The Conversation where I read about the project for the first time. They have very interesting content about global issues and a podcast called The Conversation weekly.

Also, I strongly recommend that you read about the project EMT site - in this link.

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Calling from Saigon, I spoke to Vinh Ho an American entrepreneur and host of the podcast Focus Asia-Pacific. 

He moved to Vietnam few years ago and he said it's been a very exciting time for the country economic growth.

We talked about how the Vietnamese young generations is very tech savvy, the start-up landscape, how mobile payments are taking off in the country and the differences between China and Vietnam 

Also, Vinh interviewed me for his podcast few weeks ago so if you want to listen to my interview and / or other episodes of Focus Asia-Pacific click here

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To talk about the African startup scene I invited entrepreneur and podcaster Alex Nyamoya Boyi. Alex is originally from Burundi and is the host of the podcast African Tech Roundup.

She explained what’s hype and what really happens in reality with funding for African startups.

We also talked about African nations with a thriving startup scene beyond  Nigeria and South Africa. And why English-speaking African countries have more press visibility than French-speaking ones, despite having a population of over 140 million people.

Alex is also a serial podcaster hosting African Tech Roundup, the Future of Money a podcast that offers an African perspective on fintech and finance and Sporteve about sports with a woman’s perspective and Parole, a French and English podcast focused on African and global perspectives.

Don't forget to visit the Emerging Markets Today website.

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MoedaSeeds site https://moedaseeds.com/en-us/

Taynah Reis on Linkedin

*This episode is not an investment advice*

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To know more about Asia Innovations Group click here 

Follow Andy Tian on LinkedIn 

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For more on Smart City Clearing Company Ltd.(Sc3) click here

Follow Steven Jasmin on Linkedin and Twitter

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In this episode I interviewed Carlos Kazuo Missao, the director of the GFT Group in Brazil - one of the world's leading

companies in digital transformation for the financial sector.

We talked about how the pandemic decreased the unbanked population, the success of challenger banks and digital wallets

also how the new instant payment solution by Brazilian Central Bank, called PIX, is revolutionizing payments in Brazil, a little about open

baking and much more.

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Follow Amit Jain on Twitter and LinkedIn

Read Amit Jain's article on Nikkei Asia: Will Myanmar's generals be able to keep the lights on?

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You can check Blockchain Bit here

If you want to know more about Wakandi click here

If you want to contact Espen Kvelland click here

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Check out Inrego 

If you want to get in touch with Sebastian Holmström click here

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James Eugene: https://twitter.com/eugene_markets

Frontier Markets News: https://twitter.com/frontiermktnews

Or visit Frontier Markets News: https://frontiermarketnews.org/

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