May 21, 2020
More than 1.7 billion people around the world are unbanked and can’t access the financial services that they need.
Suggestions
May 21, 2020
More than 1.7 billion people around the world are unbanked and can’t access the financial services that they need.
Kiva leverages the Internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions to allow individuals to lend as little as $25 to help create opportunities around the world. To date, 3.6 million borrowers in over 77 countries have been financed through the platform.
Through Kiva's work, students can pay for tuition, women can start businesses, farmers are able to invest in equipment, and families can afford emergency care.
Since 2018, we have been supporting Kiva with matching loans for borrowers who will invest in solar technology – either for households or for small businesses. Further, we provided funding for Kiva’s Direct-to-Social program, where last-mile solar distribution companies enable financing to reach more customers. These are typically the ‘missing middle’: enterprises that are too big for microfinance, but too small for banking.
To date, the matching loan has reached 1655 households and 5 business units in Mexico, Lesotho, and Honduras, with 67% female borrowers. Once repaid, the fund will go to the next borrowers, sharing the power of inclusion.
Tess Murphy
Strategic Partnerships Manager, Kiva
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers and lighting for the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact connected lighting systems and data-enabled services, deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. With 2019 sales of EUR 6.2 billion, we have approximately 38,000 employees and are present in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been named Industry Leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for three years in a row. News from Signify is located at the Newsroom, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors can be found on the Investor Relations page.
