Artisans are receiving microfinance loans from the international online retailer NOVICA, fully funded by customers through the a new peer-to-peer microfinance lending site.

The UK Department for International Development (DfID) has committed £8mn to a technology programme run by microfinance group CGAP designed to increase access to financial services for the poor.

Aureos Capital has launched a new private equity fund for Africa, the Aureos Africa Fund (AAF) after raising US$322.8mn to support small and medium sized enterprises and growth across the continent.

When considering how Africa can better fulfil its investment potential, few commentators consider the intrinsic role of the very people penning the discussion – the media.

Exxon Mobil Corporation, through its affiliate Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited (Esso Angola), have announced $3.5mn in grants for public health and education programmes in Angola.