Opportunity International

PwC estimates that #AI could increase global economic output by up to 15% within the next decade - and add as much as $1.5 trillion to the pan-African economy by 2030. Ensuring that nobody is left behind in this new technological revolution is crucial - which is why we use human-centered strategies do design tools that support the most marginalized on the continent. Thanks to Dr. Renata Thiébaut for sharing our work this UN Today article. https://lnkd.in/e28DrUSk  

The digital transformation underway today has the potential to do something extraordinary: help end extreme poverty. But that will only happen with intention, compassion, and collaboration. Over the past few weeks, Opportunity’s Digital Innovation Group has been engaging with global leaders in fintech and AI, shaping plans for a more equitable digital future. Dr. William Derban joined the Alliance of Digital Finance and Fintech Associations at this year’s #SAM2025 African Inclusive Finance Week to discuss the key challenges we must overcome together to increase access to digital solutions, while Paul Essene shared new insights on our AI chatbot solutions for marginalized communities at the UN FAO Impact Summit. We’re excited about a future without extreme poverty—and grateful to our peers, partners, and clients for your partnership in this work.

When Tina began working with Opportunity International, she dreamed of a future with a sturdy home, a garden, goats—and her children in school. At the time, this mother of seven in Malawi earned less than $1/day. Her roof—patched with corn stalks—leaked when it rained, and her family ate one meal every other day. Over the next year, Tina’s life was transformed. Today, Tina is raising goats and chickens. She’s planted a garden that produces enough to sell in her community. She has saved $93 from her profits and installed a metal roof on their home. Her family eats every day, and her children are in school. Opportunity has been there every step of the way. “Others came and left,” Tina said. “You came, and you stayed.” Hear more about Tina's experience through Opportunity International CEO Atul Tandon's eyes in his new blog today: https://lnkd.in/g4NafPjc And join us in helping more women like Tina by supporting our efforts this holiday season. Just $15 can kickstart transformation for a whole family - learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gChtUb-h

Generative #AI is already changing how people make a living. With Microsoft Azure, our UlangiziAI chatbot is helping smallholder farmers bridge critical knowledge gaps across hard-to-reach regions in Africa. Thank you to Charity Digital’s Laura S. for elevating the story - and the brighter future that these new technologies can help create. https://lnkd.in/eccu3Dyp

Ending extreme poverty starts with good jobs. At The World Bank's meetings in DC this month, President Ajay Banga laid out a future that invests in the world’s most underserved through employment. It’s the approach we’ve championed for 54 years—backing last-mile entrepreneurs to build sustainable livelihoods. Check out Opportunity International CEO Atul Tandon’s takeaways from the event in our blog below! https://lnkd.in/g4NafPjc

Kingsley Jasi grows corn and beans on his 2-acre farm in Chiradzulu, Malawi. He recently saw evidence that worms were eating his corn, but his go-to insecticide ended up damaging his crops. Jasi snapped a photo and sent it to our AI chatbot for farmers, Ulangizi, via WhatsApp, and it came back with an alternative insecticide right away. “After following its recommendation, the worms were completely eliminated,” he said. “Since then, I have relied solely on the chatbot’s guidance.” Learn more about how our UlangiziAI chatbot is helping farmers grow more and earn more in this piece from Rest of World today! #AI #Agriculture #Innovation #Impact GiveDirectly Stephanie Wangari https://lnkd.in/gSXZUs7e

Early, quality education changes everything. When underserved children in rural Africa access pre-primary and primary schooling, their chances of lifelong success soar. With the right financing and school training, we can raise the floor for the continent’s future workforce. Join Opportunity Head of Education Finance Andrew McCusker as he shares our early childhood education strategies in this #FinclusionWeek session. https://lnkd.in/g3t9emam #FIW2025 #Finance #Inclusion #Education #EducationForAll Jane Aik Julius Mcharo

We’re excited to share new impact data from this year’s 60 Decibels MFI Index—the world’s largest financial inclusion reporting program. The Index surveys thousands of our most important stakeholders: our clients. This independent study tracks client outreach, outcomes, and satisfaction. Among Opportunity clients surveyed: - 90% report increased business income - 92% report improved quality of life - 79% report better access to children’s education - 66% report improved quantity and/or quality of meals We’re honored by this feedback—and committed to raising the bar. 🔗 Explore the full report: https://lnkd.in/eGzgudmV #FinancialInclusion #ImpactData #Microfinance

Women’s economic power is one of Ghana’s greatest growth stories - and we are proud to have worked alongside our partners SINAPI ABA SAVINGS AND LOANS COMPANY LIMITED and Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd to tailor microcredit and trust-based group lending solutions for the women entrepreneurs of the nation. When women have access to capital and community, default risk drops, accountability rises, and neighborhoods prosper. Learn more in this piece in Accra Street Journal. https://lnkd.in/gch85H_r #FinancialInclusion #WomenInBusiness #Microfinance #Ghana #SMEs #ImpactInvesting #InclusiveGrowth

Good health isn’t just the absence of illness. For the communities we serve, it’s agency, economic stability, mental well-being, and the time to care, work, and participate. At Financial Inclusion Week, Opportunity’s Morseda Chowdhury helped chart a course to achieve real health impact for the most marginalized. Watch the recording here: https://lnkd.in/gMsngcK5 #FinclusionWeek #FIW2025 #Health #Impact Sitara Merchant Carter Olga Biosca Neeta Rao