Alternative Financing

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

KEY ACTIONS AGREED BY THE EXPERT GROUP:

shorted by importance and short term feasibility:

• Banking channel

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Washington D.C, May 23, 2024 – AgriAnalytica, a leading digital platform for MSMEs in Ukraine has joined the SME Finance Forum as the global membership network’s latest member. The 300+ members/affiliates of the Forum are SME financing experts operating in 190 countries who share the common goal of expanding access to finance to small businesses worldwide through knowledge exchange and innovation.

“SME Finance Forum proudly welcomes leading digital platform for MSMEs in Ukraine to our network. It is with great pleasure I welcome AgriAnalytica to SME Finance Forum which is in line with our strategy of onboarding leading MSME lending solution provider in FCS countries for impact,” said Qamar Saleem, Head of SME Finance Forum.

"AgriAnalytica, a pioneering B2B platform developed by AgriAnalytica LLC with strong support from international donors such as USAID, DSIK, IFC  and EFSE DF, is dedicated to empowering Ukrainian agri MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). The platform's mission is to revolutionize access to finance, markets, and knowledge for MSME farmers through innovative solutions. AgriAnalytica addresses the critical challenge of agri MSME access to finance by offering a cloud-based platform and credit  decisioning support technology for agri MSME Lenders  that integrates a comprehensive suite of SaaS/PaaS tools, enabling risk-mitigated, cash flow-based lending. Currently, the platform boasts a network of over 18,000 users from all regions of Ukraine, including those in occupied areas.

Key features include the AGRI Credit Analysis system, which provides detailed financial indices required by banks and regulators, and the AGRI Land module for thorough due diligence on land acquisitions. Additionally, the platform’s AGRI Accounting and AGRI Business Plan tools streamline farm management and business planning, enhancing productivity and profitability. Furthermore, the AGRI-Expert module, with its 220+ registered subject-matter experts, augments current efforts and accelerates new initiatives by reducing R&D and project management costs through specialized knowledge and experience. As an online marketplace, AgriAnalytica connects farmers with banks, suppliers, and buyers, fostering a more integrated and efficient agricultural ecosystem. This comprehensive approach ensures that MSME farmers can thrive in today's competitive market by leveraging cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights."

“As we embark on this journey with the SME Finance Forum, we're excited to leverage its social and professional networking to promote our company and project at high level through its well-organized events,” said Ms. Liudmyla Tymoshenko, CEO & Director of Agrianalytica LLC.
 

SME Finance Forum: Innovation & Partnership for MSMEs Growth 

The SME Finance Forum, backed by G20 and IFC/World Bank, is the leading global network of 300+ members/affiliates operating in 190 countries. Network comprises of SME focused institutions providing and enabling finance and services- banks, non-banks financial institutions, fintech, payment platforms, development institutions, credit guarantee companies, insurers, investment funds, supply chain linked players, banking and SME associations, policy advocates, regulators, academia, consulting houses, knowledge aggregators.

Our members, affiliates, and associated stakeholders benefit from learning/replicating best practices from across the world, innovating new products for business growacquiring risk mitigation tools, establishing partnerships, attracting investors, and being recognized amongst a peer group of global innovators. Our products consist of “members only” solutions (like innovation hubs, solutions clinics, peer group networks, study tours, specialized tools and trainings, member portal repository, partnered initiatives) as well as public good services (200+ publications library, 500+ videos, webinars, newsletters, trainings, annual awards, annual event etc.
Discover the SME Finance Forum members/affiliates: 
https://www.smefinanceforum.org/members/member-list
https://smefinanceforum.org/about/partners
 

AgriAnalytica

AgriAnalytica, a pioneering B2B platform developed by AgriAnalytica LLC with strong support from international donors such as USAID, DSIK, IFC  and EFSE DF, is dedicated to empowering Ukrainian agri MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). The platform's mission is to revolutionize access to finance, markets, and knowledge for MSME farmers through innovative solutions. AgriAnalytica addresses the critical challenge of agri MSME access to finance by offering a cloud-based platform and credit  decisioning support technology for agri MSME Lenders  that integrates a comprehensive suite of SaaS/PaaS tools, enabling risk-mitigated, cash flow-based lending. Currently, the platform boasts a network of over 18,000 users from all regions of Ukraine, including those in occupied areas.
Learn more: 
Website: https://agrianalytica.com/en/
Telegram:  https://t.me/agri_trading_shopping
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgriAnalytica
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrianalytica
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agrianalytica/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8AT24OZRKmdPLrDRf77W3g
                https://www.youtube.com/@Agrianalytica/videos

The Forum established the Women’s Entrepreneurship Finance CoP (WEF CoP) Practice for groups of practitioners from member institutions to meet and share experiences, seek solutions to challenges that they face in financing women-SMEs. Since launching in 2022, the WEF CoP has evolved into a powerful example of how to empower women entrepreneurs through financial awareness, tailored financial services and promoting financial inclusion for women-led SMEs.

The primary goal of WEF CoP is to translate shared experiences and insights into practical knowledge applicable to better serve women-owned and women-led SMEs (W-SMEs). As a member driven community, it draws on the collective knowledge and experience of industry leaders and practitioners across regions, together with experts from IFC. The platform has facilitated knowledge sharing and connections amongst over 500 industry practitioners, providing practical solutions that members implement in their operations.

The community fosters open discussions, sharing insights, and exchanging ideas on various practical topics relevant to women entrepreneurs, including product design and delivery, business development, risk management, alternative data utilization, legal and regulatory matters, and more. Additionally, it provides a space to discuss the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, fostering the exploration of mitigation techniques and solutions. Through this dialogue, members collectively contribute their unique cross regional experiences and insights, enriching the knowledge pool that benefits both women-owned SMEs and financial service providers.

On International Women’s Day/ Month 2024 we are pleased to showcase the remarkable work and impact of our member community in their respective markets and regions. Fostering partnerships, technology, and innovations, members develop unique solutions and products towards sustainable financial services for W-SMEs. These unique stories reflect the tremendous collective impact of our community in providing financial services to W-SMEs, thereby, closing the gender finance gap and facilitating W-SMEs full contribution to the global economy.

Here are some of the captivating stories and innovative initiatives from our remarkable community:

•  Small Business Silver Lining supports small business owners through its Silver Lining Action Plan (SLAP), a tech-enabled, data-driven program, which helps users set defined goals and plot an attainable route to them using behavioral psychology. Silver lining has worked with 14,000 small businesses in more than 76 countries, helping them to become more profitable and sustainable. Read more

• Overview of the European Investment Bank’s support for gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. It details the Bank’s activities in the sector and highlights key projects. The stories, videos and case studies, illustrate how the Bank’s financing and advice help countries, regions and cities. Read more
   
• Alraedah provides financial services to women-SMEs to achieve their business and personal financial goals, and thereby improve lives. In this video see how Alraedah supported the small dream of a W-SME into a leading confectionary business in Saudi Arabia. Watch the video
   
• Stanbic IBTC’s strong commitment to empowering women led to the creation of an innovative value proposition called Blue Blossom. This unique offering provides women in business comprehensive financial (bank and non-bank) and non-financial benefits, empowering women to take control of their finances, future and live a fulfilling lifestyle. It provides solutions aimed to foster the growth and success of women entrepreneurs.
  The GoBloom Community’s value proposition recognizes that today’s woman requires tailored non-financial solutions alongside comprehensive support to foster learning, connections, wellness, and personal development. Read more
   

• FMO - Dutch entrepreneurial development bank's innovative women and climate project empowers rural women entrepreneurs in India and promotes the use of clean energy products to drive change. Read more

• Access Bank Plc innovative 'W' initiative tailors products and services to meet the unique needs and requirements of women SMEs. In this video a client shares her experience, and the impact of the W-Power Loan on her business. Watch the video
   

• Funding Societies | Modalku Group offers innovative alternative financing services to women-SMEs. In this video, the founder of a fast growing cookie bakery in Malaysia attests to the benefits and flexibility of Funding Societies | Modalku Group's Digital Financial Services. Watch the video

Johannesburg, 6 February 2024 – MTN’s Mobile Money Platform, MoMo, and banking technology company JUMO have partnered to launch Qwikloan, which offers affordable, short-term loans in South Africa and will drive financial inclusion across the country.

Qwikloan enables MoMo users to obtain small, short-term loans on their mobile phones, ranging from R250 to R10,000 depending on eligibility, through a seamless application process available via the MTN MoMo App or USSD (*151#). Qwikloan is able to reduce the cost of lending to a customer by leveraging MTN MoMo’s payment infrastructure and JUMO’s core banking infrastructure with AI prediction capabilities.

Bradwin Roper, Chief Financial Services Officer at MTN South Africa said: “MoMo’s Qwikloan offering is a testament to our dedication to providing financial solutions that prioritise accessibility and affordability. In these challenging economic times, our goal is to empower South African consumers by offering a reliable alternative with significantly lower interest rates compared to banks.”

Qwikloan has been available to smartphone users in South Africa via the MTN Mobile Money app since December 2023. Now, opening up access to include users of feature phones via USSD will enable all South African individuals and informal traders to fund productive and sustainable ventures, without the need for costly data or smart mobile devices.

Joe Mucheru, JUMO President said: “Our work with MTN will support entrepreneurs who need simple, quick access to working capital to grow their businesses. This work demonstrates how partnerships between financial technology companies such as JUMO, and mobile money providers are essential to driving financial inclusion and creating more opportunities for customers to borrow and save conveniently. There is even greater potential to grow eligibility and accessibility by introducing bank partners to the initiative. Working with partners to build the infrastructure they need to achieve their goals is what we do.”

The collaboration targets South Africa’s entrepreneurs and the informal sector while JUMO’s intelligent banking technology aims to reduce unit economics, making high-value products accessible at low prices. This partnership aligns with both MoMo and JUMO’s missions to foster financial inclusivity, ensuring that all South Africans, whether on the MTN network or not, can benefit from this financial service.

Qwikloan is available to both prepaid and postpaid MoMo registered customers. To apply for a loan, users simply need a registered South African ID number and must undergo a credit affordability check. Upon approval, funds are deposited directly into the user’s MoMo wallet, with repayments collected from the same wallet. Consumers can register and apply through the MTN MoMo App or USSD (*151#).

ENDS

About the MTN South Africa

Launched in 1994, MTN South Africa is a subsidiary of MTN Group, a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code ‘MTN’. Our strategy is Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.

About JUMO

JUMO was founded in 2015 and is the market leading Banking as a Service platform that uses AI to power financial services in emerging markets.

JUMO offers savings and credit products to entrepreneurs in emerging markets, as well as financial services infrastructure to partners such as eMoney operators, mobile fintech platforms and banks.

The platform has two foundational capabilities:

●  Core – which provides end-to-end, next generation banking infrastructure;

●  Unify – the Artificial Intelligence processor that transforms data to reduce the cost and risk of lending.

In just over nine years of operation, JUMO has enabled the disbursement of more than US$5billion in loans and reached over 26 million customers and small businesses. They are active in seven markets including Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa.

JUMO earned B Corporation certification in September 2022, joining an international movement of 5,787 purpose-led businesses that meet B Corp’s high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

www.jumo.world

For media enquiries, please contact:

JUMO@brunswickgroup.com

+44 20 7404 5959