Publication database

Are inclusive businesses reaching scale? What scale is that, in terms of revenue and reach? How many fail? This Spotlight draws on evidence from three portfolios, that have in total supported 160 companies, to share information on what patterns emerge from a combined data set.

This case study showcases the Juhudi Kilimo business which provides asset financing and technical assistance to smallholder farmers throughout Kenya and aims to increase the incomes of the farmers by 50 percent. It outlines how the model works, the business and development impacts to date, and the key success factors.

Across the world, insurers have shifted away from traditional agents and brokers to partner with various alternative distribution channels – ranging from churches, trade unions and mobile network operators to banks, retailers and even civil service organizations - as a way of reaching critical mass at low cost. This study examines two of these channels – banking and retail correspondents – studying four examples in four countries.

This case study explains how Notore and Springfield Agro have managed to sell a high quality fertiliser that is more affordable, available and acceptable to poor farmers, with the support of the UK aid-funded Propcom programmes. It discusses the challenges faced by these firms, as they respond to rural consumers’ needs amidst changing market conditions, which are also described.

The potential size of the global micro reinsurance market is estimated somewhere between US$6 billion and US$12 billion in ceded premium. An untapped market of this size warrants significant attention from the reinsurance community, given downward global trends in commercial reinsurance and other pressures on top-line growth. 

In the last decade, some insurance associations (IAs) have expanded beyond their traditional core functions to develop insurance consumer education (ICE) programmes.  IAs, as the representatives of the industry are well-positioned and ideally suited to invest in ICE. By investing in ICE they not only promote consumer protection but they also contribute in improving the reputation of the industry. Excerpted from Microinsurance Paper no. 31, this brief summarises steps that the IAs should take during the preparation of an ICE.

Delivering insurance to the poor is a formidable task. Insurers must reach people who do not come into contact with their usual sales channels, at low cost and in large numbers. To be successful, they must answer three critical questions: How can I make most of the distribution channel? What can I do for the distribution channel? Is the channel right for my target market?

Health microinsurance (HMI) can deliver value to clients and support efforts to achieve universal health coverage. Despite being the most demanded type of microinsurance across the world, its success remains limited and HMI providers face a myriad of challenges: how to provide affordable comprehensive benefits, prevent illness, reduce administrative costs, provide access to quality health care, limit fraud and moral hazard, and manage the cost of care? 

This paper highlights opportunities for banks to create shared value. It is intended to help bank leaders, their partners, and industry regulators seize opportunities to create financial value while addressing unmet social and environmental needs at scale.

The last brief of Client Value series provides recommendations for policy-makers, regulators and funders on how to create an enabling environment that promotes client value. The insights are based on new impact evidence of microinsurance and the experience of countries where governments and donors are using insurance related interventions to achieve public policy objectives or develop the market. The brief presents ten blueprints to guide government and donor decisions and actions across the three main dimensions 1) insurance promotion through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and subsidies; 2) investment in infrastructure and client education; and 3) regulation and supervision.