San Francisco-based Kiva partners Sierra Leone Government to Launch Digital Credit, Palladium set to raise $40 Million Impact Fund for African off-grid solar & Agribusiness Startups and More

Happy new week guys,

Welcome to another edition of the Big 5 Daily!

Are you ready for some Africa-first innovative news?

Have fun,

Big news! Kiva a San Francisco – based tech NGO has partnered the Sierra-Leone Government to launch a digital credit database, in a bid to boost the country’s national identity and financial inclusion in West Africa. The project will leverage blockchain to provide online credit history for Sierra Leonians, allow them access to loans and credit facilities for education, health, etc.

Next on the Big 5, Global consultancy company ‘Palladium’ is set to raise $40 million for a first impact fund. The project will focus on off-grid solar and agribusiness startups across Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria. The impact fund is tagged ‘Palladium Impact Fund I’ as it aims to provide funding for agribusiness and off-grid clean energy ventures in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.

See also: CBN to offer Software Developers Loans Up to ₦3 Million, MultiChoice Africa set to cut DStv subscription Charges across East Africa and More

Also, Cars45, a Nigeria-based car trading platform, has rolled out a premium inspection service. The service is specifically for users who need the company’s services but do not have the time to visit the company. The users are required to make a $33 upfront payment to Cars45 before they can access the Premium Inspection Service.

Naspers Ltd.—a multinational internet and media company is set to list on Euronext N.V.– a European stock exchange based in Amsterdam, after securing its shareholder’s vote on the 23rd of August 2019. The company will also be listing its $125 billion stake in Chinese investment company- Tencent Holding Ltd to scale its expansion bid and attract international investors to its internet assets.

Finally, Tastemakers—a travels and tour company based in New York, has secured a $1 million funding in a round led by Precursor Ventures. Tastemakers will leverage the fund to scale its services for 200 offered experiences to 10,000. The company will also leverage the funds to build machine learning capabilities that will create seamless match suppliers and experiences.

…and there you have it for today’s edition of the Big 5 Daily!

Thanks for joining!