Andrew Torre’s Post

Do you want to get to know us and our work on remittances? Check out the video below! #remittances #development #diaspora

European Investment Bank (EIB) just signed a EUR 60m loan agreement with Banca Etica to unlock at least EUR165m in social economy investments. EIB resources will support three priorities: 🎯 Improving living conditions for #refugees by enhancing infrastructure and social services, while facilitating #labourmarket #integration. 🎯 Promoting #genderequality by increasing access to finance for women-led businesses. 🎯 Reducing #regionaldisparities by supporting projects in #cohesionregions in Italy. EIB will also provide technical assistance under SIFTA | Social Inclusive Finance Technical Assistance programme. Financed by the #InvestEUAdvisoryHub, SIFTA will help Banca Etica to allocate resources to women-led SMEs, refugee services and businesses operating in cohesion regions in Italy. More information at 👉 https://rb.gy/f3fh4c European Investment Bank (EIB) Banca Etica SIFTA | Social Inclusive Finance Technical Assistance European Commission

SIFTA | Social Inclusive Finance Technical Assistance continues its support for institutions investing in high social #impact. Through tailor-made technical assistance and expertise, SIFTA aims to support Banca Etica in allocating its resources to women-led SMEs, refugee services, and businesses operating in cohesion regions in Italy. More information at 👉 https://lnkd.in/ej-qftt9 #InvestEU #EIB #AdvisoryHub #socialfinance European Investment Bank (EIB) European Commission

Digital inclusion for refugee women and girls in ICT, innovation, and technology offers a multitude of positive impacts, transforming their lives in numerous ways. Firstly, it provides them with access to educational resources and vocational training, empowering them with essential skills for the modern job market. This enables economic independence and greater employability, reducing their vulnerability and dependence on aid. Furthermore, digital inclusion fosters a sense of connectivity and community. Refugee women and girls can access support networks, share experiences, and tap into valuable information, enhancing their mental and emotional well-being. This connectivity also facilitates communication with family members left behind or dispersed across the globe, maintaining crucial social bonds. Innovation and technology can help refugee women and girls overcome language barriers and navigate new environments by providing translation and navigation tools. This boosts their self-reliance and integration into host societies. Moreover, it opens up entrepreneurship opportunities, allowing them to start small businesses and participate in local economies. Therefore, digital inclusion for refugee women and girls in ICT, innovation, and technology offers pathways to education, employment, community, and self-reliance. It is a powerful tool for their empowerment and a vital step toward their successful resettlement and integration into their host countries. Amy Fallon, John Warnes, Solji O. YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa

👨🏿🔧👩🔧🎉 On May 1 International Workers' Day, people in many countries around the world celebrate #workers' achievements. 🏢According to International Labour Organization more than one in four young people in Africa – around 72 million – are not in employment, education or training (NEET). Two-thirds of them are young women. 🗺️Africa is in the unique position of being a relatively young continent, with a rapidly growing youth population. We at #Scale2Save found that #Young people in #Africa engage in a broad variety of economic activities and many aspire to become #entrepreneurs. But to achieve their full potential, access to formal #credit remains a challenge. ✨Lessons from the #Scale2Save youth study that was conducted in partnership with Mastercard Foundation and L-IFT can help financial institutions, financial inclusion experts from NGOs, intergovernmental organisations and academia, as well as policymakers tackle the challenge of bringing this generations into mainstream financial services and how social norms could be overcome to address the persistent #gendergap. 🤝Needless to say that skillset building needs to go hand in hand with job creation. This is why WSBI-ESBG #Scale2Save partners with Aflatoun International. https://rb.gy/iyj5gl

How can more young women fullfil their aspirations for becoming entrepreuners and having access to formal finance that helps grow their businesses? 👉Have a read of the opportunities that WSBI-ESBG #Scale2Save identified through #diaries and qualitative research in #Africa. #LabourDay #women #youth #MSEs #financialservices #platform and #data #partnerships #MFIs #skillsetbuilders

Carl Manlan, as an established leader in the inclusive impact and sustainability space, tells Platform Africa why Visa chose to support the recent WTO-ITC High Level on Women in Trade, highlighting that there are intrinsic benefits that women who succeed bring to their families, communities, and economies such as access to better health and education. Carl underlines that, regardless of the geography, it is the daily small steps that a women entrepreneur makes that will transform her children’s perspective of who they are and what they can become. Carl also describes Visa’s She’s Next initiative for small and medium businesses, and advocates ‘going cashless’ to ensure that women led businesses do not lose out on opportunities to converse in the digital language. ITC SheTrades #womenintrade #trade #womenempowerment #impact #sustainability #womenledbusinesses #inclusiveimpact https://lnkd.in/dYQUSdkH

Grateful for the opportunity to provide closing remarks at the Toronto Global Forum, an event organized by the International Economic Forum of the Americas following Shannin Metatawabin ICD.D and Ken S. Coates’ insightful conversation, as well as Karyn S. Pugliese as moderator, on fostering economic resilience: the indigenous economic revolution. Creating partnerships with underrepresented communities, including Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized communities, individuals with disabilities, women, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community, is crucial for both social and financial progress. Many people in the Indigenous community are working to restore prosperity and financial sovereignty, often through international trade, but accessing capital remains a significant hurdle. To support these efforts, it's essential for governments and private enterprises to address biases and remove barriers hindering Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities. At Exportation et développement Canada - EDC we believe that all Canadians, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability, deserve to have the same opportunities to dream big, be daring and take on the world. #TGF #Canada #Export #IndigenousBusiness #IndigenousEntrepreneur #IndigenousProsperity

On International Women's Day, our organization proudly partnered with The Border Hub in spearheading a project that aims to design, develop and deploy a digital platform tailored to meet the diverse needs of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Through extensive research and collaboration with various partners, including GIZ, the European Union and GFA, Border Hub conducted a comprehensive assessment of the digital support requirements for MSMEs in Busia and the broader Western Kenya region. Under the theme "Inspire Inclusion," our joint endeavor aims to shine a spotlight on women-led MSMEs and the pivotal role they play in fostering economic growth and inclusion. On this special day, Border Hub presented its research findings, delving into the specific digital support needs of MSMEs in Busia County. They also unveiled a digital platform, which will serve as a centralized hub for MSMEs to access essential resources, skills and knowledge necessary for their growth and success. By partnering with Border Hub, our organization unlocks several significant benefits that directly empower women-led MSMEs. Firstly, the tailored digital platform provides access to a wide range of resources, including finance, technology, mentorship and networking opportunities. This platform serves as a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs, enabling them to connect, collaborate and scale up their operations. Secondly, the digital platform provides a space where women-led MSMEs can connect and learn from experienced mentors and industry experts. This mentorship program fosters a supportive network, enabling women entrepreneurs to tap into the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating the challenges of running a business. Furthermore, our partnership with Border Hub enables us to tap into their expertise and resources in leveraging technology to drive business growth. With the integration of digital technology, women-led MSMEs can benefit from enhanced efficiency, productivity and market reach. Lastly, by partnering with Border Hub, we strengthen the visibility and recognition of women-led MSMEs. By highlighting their achievements, success stories and contributions to the local economy, we contribute to changing the narrative and breaking down stereotypes that hinder women's economic empowerment. In conclusion, our partnership with Border Hub on International represents a significant step forward in empowering women-led MSMEs. The digital platform, coupled with extensive support and access to resources, empowers women entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to the economic growth and inclusivity of Busia County and beyond. Together, we are inspiring change and creating a future where women-led MSMEs can thrive and succeed. #investinwomen #inspireinclusion #empowerment #internationalwomensday2024 #tuzidisana

Internet connectivity provided by The #Unconnected has opens up a world of educational resources for refugees. Online courses, digital libraries, and educational platforms allow refugees to continue their education despite being displaced. Initiatives like the #KUAInitiative 's Connected Learning program provide access to high-quality educational content, enabling refugees to acquire new skills and knowledge. This educational empowerment is crucial for personal development and future opportunities. The internet facilitates communication between refugees and their families who might be scattered across different regions or countries. Social media platforms, email, and messaging apps help maintain family ties and provide emotional support, which is vital for the mental well-being of refugees. Additionally, connectivity allows refugees to stay informed about developments in their home countries and the global context, fostering a sense of inclusion and connection. The isolation and trauma experienced by refugees can lead to significant mental health challenges. Internet access provides a platform for online counseling and mental health resources, enabling refugees to seek help discreetly and at their own pace. Organizations offer virtual support groups and mental health apps that provide coping strategies and emotional support, contributing to improved mental well-being. Internet access can create economic opportunities for refugees through remote work, online businesses, and vocational training. Digital marketplaces and freelancing platforms allow refugees to offer their skills and services globally, overcoming geographical barriers. Additionally, online training programs equip refugees with the skills needed for the digital economy, enhancing their employability and self-sufficient For humanitarian organizations, internet connectivity facilitates more efficient aid distribution and management. Digital tools enable better data collection and analysis, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most. Online platforms streamline the coordination between various aid agencies, reducing duplication of efforts and enhancing the overall effectiveness of humanitarian assistance. Online communities and forums provide refugees with a platform to connect, share experiences, and support each other. These digital communities can foster a sense of belonging and solidarity, which is crucial for the social inclusion of refugees. Initiatives like the Refugee.Info platform offer localized information and support, helping refugees navigate their new environments and access essential services. #UNHCRkenya #LeapProject #ingutiaEdith #DreemFund #ilo #GoodNieghbors #SageFund #WomenRefugeeCommusionor #Global Refugee Youth Network