Publication database

In 2009, the Microinsurance Innovation Facility published, in its Briefing Notes series, the results of a study that revealed the current landscape of microinsurance in Africa. The study, conducted in partnership with the MicroInsurance Centre, identified over 14 million low-income people in Africa who were covered by microinsurance at the end of 2008, almost double where this figure stood in 2004. Even with such growth, substantial parts of the continent remain almost barren of microinsurance. Microinsurance Paper #4 is an expanded version of those briefing notes, presenting more detailed results of the study and setting them in context. Market opportunity and demand are covered in depth, along with the African regulatory environment and other important enabling factors. The current outreach of microinsurance in Africa, including insurers, products, and delivery channels, is then presented from a practice-based perspective, with case studies and input from expert practitioners. The paper concludes with a discussion of challenges that must be overcome in order to facilitate broader, high-quality expansion in the years to come.

This case study showcases MAP International, which joined the Business Call to Action with its commitment to remove barriers such as physical infrastructure, that prevent local Ugandans from entering the formal financial sector. It outlines the company's goals which include providing two million people in Uganda with access to bank accounts; and it discusses how the business model works; the business and development impacts to date; and the key success factors.

This research study was conducted as part of a series of country-specific baseline assessments to provide a broad overview of the production, market and socioeconomic conditions, and the constraints and opportunities in farming systems. In Malawi, the main legumes of interest are groundnut and pigeonpea; consequently, much of the analysis in this paper focuses on the two crops, while also providing a broad picture about other crops and livelihood strategies.

This case study focuses on the inclusive business model of Zain Madagascar (now Airtel Madagascar), a mobile network operator active in the Middle East and Africa. Zain Madagascar worked to extend its reach to consumers who could not afford their own phones through a Village Phone Program (VPP). Network expansion through the VPP has made coverage possible in geographically remote areas and economies of scale help keep prices low. The case describes the inclusive business model, the company's commercial drivers, results achieved as well as IFC's role and value add.

This case study focuses on Moladi, a family business based in South Africa, active in construction technology, seeking to provide affordable housing solutions for the poor. The firm’s basic model is to combine its construction technology with a simplified assembly method that helps to reduce both the costs and complexity of the building process. The report describes the model, looks at the actors and results that have been achieved.

This case study showcases mining company, Anglo American, which joined the Business Call to Action with its commitment to tackle poverty, empower underprivileged individuals, and promote economic growth in South Africa’s mining and labour-sending communities. It outlines the company's goals; how the business model works; the business and development impacts to date; and the key success factors.

This case study showcases multi-national company, Cadbury, which joined the Business Call to Action with commitments to the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership which encourages the development of thriving cocoa communities in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. It outlines the partnership goals which include addressing the key issues affecting the cocoa sector e.g. child labour; and it discusses how the business model works; the business and development impacts to date; and the key success factors.

The case study focuses on Toyola Energy Limited, a company that produces and distributes energy efficient charcoal stoves and solar lanterns for domestic users in the urban and rural parts of Ghana. Toyola's business model includes the poor along the whole value chain as suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and customers. The report describes the business model of Toyola, the constraints and solutions the company faces and challenges and opportunities for scaling up as well as lessons learned.

This study reviews the model, challenges of scaling and successes of Bridge International, a for-profit social enterprise providing low-cost private schools. The company addresses the educational needs of poor children and plans to franchise nearly 3,000 schools all over Africa.

This study shows a link between access to financial services and household investment in education or a business, which can contribute to economic growth in developing countries. It discusses the policies needed to address the barriers that prevent people accessing formal financial services, and undertaking such investment.