Best Microfinance Podcasts (2025)

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BONUS – 2025 European Microfinance Award Winner Radiant Yacu on How Insurance Builds Resilience 36:52

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1M ago36:52

36:52

Episode Sponsored by the Microinsurance Network In November 2025, we travelled to Luxembourg for the European Microfinance Award. The award is a prestigious prize that recognises outstanding initiatives advancing financial inclusion; in its 2025 edition, the theme focused on building resilience through inclusive insurance. The award is organised by…

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Investing Where Impact Meets Financial Opportunity 37:55

1M ago37:55

37:55

This episode features a conversation originally recorded for the Turbo Impact podcast. Paul Hailey, Head of Impact & ESG at responsAbility Investments AG, joins host Kenny Chen to explore how impact investing operates in fast-growing emerging markets. Drawing on responsAbility’s two decades as a specialist impact investor, Paul explains how the fir…

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Prof. Tianyi Wang on the Game Theory of Politics and Media 44:16

2M ago44:16

44:16

In this weeks episode, we speak to Prof. Tianyi Wang about applying Game Theory to real-world situations in politics and communication.

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Prof. Debanjan Borthakur on the Psychology of Game Theory 43:45

2M ago43:45

43:45

This week's episode explores a side of Game Theory we have never talked about before on the show: the psychology behind it. We go deeper into the new developments in the field: particularly in Artificial Intelligence and neuroscience. We talk to Professor Debanjan Borthakur: an expert on intergroup relations, human-A.I. interactions as well as the …

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#241: Dr Thanyani Phaiphai | Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement Implementation in Vhembe's Primary Schools 12:18

2M ago12:18

12:18

The guest's contributions are based on his academic research. They are shared in his personal capacity and do not represent the views of this platform.

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ESG in Practice: Tools for Portfolio Companies in Emerging Markets 27:32

3M ago27:32

27:32

How do we ensure that our portfolio companies meet the highest standards in environmental protection and social responsibility while remaining operationally efficient and resilient? Join us for an in-depth look at our newly developed ESG Operational Toolkit: a practical, field-tested resource designed to help our portfolio companies strengthen prac…

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#240: Arinao Denga | Insights into Egg Production 12:42

3M ago12:42

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Arinao Denga holds an Honours degree in Animal Science from the University of Venda. The guest's contributions are based on her academic research. They are shared in her personal capacity and do not represent the views of this platform.

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#239: Dr Pfarelo Matsila | Exploring How Vhembe's Informal Street Traders Balance Livelihood Activities with Caregiving Responsibilities 8:43

4M ago8:43

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Dr Pfarelo Matsila is a researcher at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Centre for Sexualities, AIDS, and Gender (CSA&G). The guest's contributions are based on her academic research. They are shared in her personal capacity and do not represent the views of this platform.

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#238: The Impact of Reduced Snowfall on Glaciers in Central Asia 1:50

4M ago1:50

1:50

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02611-8

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Microfinance: Then, Now and Next, with Rochus Mommartz 27:48

4M ago27:48

27:48

Rochus Mommartz, the outgoing CEO of responsAbility who has been leading the company from 2016 to 2025, shares insights from over three decades in impact investing — reflecting on milestones, challenges, and the transformative power of financial inclusion. Guest: Rochus Mommartz, Chief Executive Officer 2016-2025, responsAbility Investments AG Host…

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BONUS - Central Bank Governor on How the Solomon Islands Is Going Digital 20:58

4M ago20:58

20:58

Following a fantastic and successful Series 1 of show, we're excited to bring you a special bonus episode, before the launch of Series 2 in January 2026. In May 2025, Jack travelled to Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands—a stunning nation in the Pacific made up of nearly 1,000 islands. With a population of just over 800,000, the country fac…

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#237: Bono Mulabisani | Understanding Carbon Taxation in South Africa 9:42

4M ago9:42

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Bono Mulabisani is an energy trader. The guest's contributions are based on her academic research. They are shared in her personal capacity and do not represent the views of this platform.

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#236: Nakisani Princess Sigama, Representation of Afrophobia Violence on X (formerly Twitter) in South Africa 11:03

5M ago11:03

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Nakisani Princess Sigama holds a master’s degree in communication and media studies from the University of Venda.

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#235: Knowledge Mariba Tshiangwa, University of Venda, The Influence of Microfinance on Small Enterprises in Vhembe District, Limpopo 6:38

5M ago6:38

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Knowledge Mariba Tshiangwa is pursuing a Master of Commerce (MCom) at the University of Venda.

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#234: Elisa Pandelani Munzhelele, University of Venda, Understanding Pharmaceutical Contaminants in South Africa's Wastewater 13:07

5M ago13:07

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Elisa Pandelani Munzhelele is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Sciences at the University of Venda.

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#233: Dr Melford Mbedzi, Mangosuthu University of Technology - Invasive Alien Plant Species Eradication 7:46

5M ago7:46

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Dr Melford Mbedzi is a lecturer at Mangosuthu University of Technology.

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#232: Ndivhuho Khantshi, ThomaTree Family (Pty) Ltd - Mobilizing Resources for Wetland Conservation 5:59

6M ago5:59

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More Information: www.thomatree.co.za

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#231: Human Fire Use in East Asia 1:19

6M ago1:19

1:19

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2500042122

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#230: The Domestication of Pigs 1:05

6M ago1:05

1:05

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2507123122

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S1 EP10 - The Fintech Daring Farmers in Africa To Dream Big! 48:58

6M ago48:58

48:58

In this season finale, we take you to Uganda to explore how innovative fintech and agribusiness partnerships are driving a new era of agricultural finance for coffee growers. Emata is a Ugandan fintech (and licensed MFI) working in agriculture. They partner with agri companies to give smallholder farmers affordable, AI-powered digital loans. In thi…

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Investing In Change: Reducing Pesticide Risks for People and the Environment 26:54

6M ago26:54

26:54

Pesticides remain a central tool in global agriculture, used by both large companies and smallholder farmers to protect crops and ensure food production. Yet the widespread use of certain chemicals, especially those classified as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), raises serious concerns about their long-term impact on human health, ecosystems, an…

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#229: Wildlife Trafficking Hotspots 1:17

7M ago1:17

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Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02371-5

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#228: Community Engagement in Plastic Pollution Research 1:13

7M ago1:13

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43591-025-00127-8

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S1 EP9 - Reimagining Insurance for the Missing Middle with Garance Wattez-Richard, Founder & CEO of AXA EssentiALL 32:09

7M ago32:09

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What happens when one of the world’s biggest insurers decides to design products for the population that’s too poor to be rich — and too rich to be poor? In this deeply insightful conversation, Garance Wattez-Richard shares the story behind the creation of AXA EssentiALL. From her first pitch to launching operations in 22 markets, Garance walks us …

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#227: Climate Change Threat to Wild Animals 1:13

7M ago1:13

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf059

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#226: The Link Between Plastic Chemicals and Cardiovascular Deaths 1:12

7M ago1:12

1:12

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105730

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#225: Projecting Impacts of Climate Change on Crop Production 1:18

7M ago1:18

1:18

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1088/2752-5295/adcbc9

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#224: Understanding Avian Influenza Virus in Cats 1:13

8M ago1:13

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofaf261

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S1 EP8 - Tackling the $170 BILLION annual financing gap for smallholder farmers with Tim Strong, Head of Agricultural Finance at Opportunity International 43:41

8M ago43:41

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Smallholder farmers are the backbone of Africa's agricultural sector, producing 80% of the region's food supply. In this episode, we met with Tim Strong, Head of Agricultural Finance for Opportunity International to discuss how financial inclusion can be a vehicle for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve their goals. Guest: Timothy …

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S1 EP7 - How GSMA and Visa are advancing Digital Financial Literacy in Africa 40:10

8M ago40:10

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The adoption of digital financial services, or DFS has created significant impact for underserved communities across the world. The United Nations states that inclusive digital financial services have allowed individuals to store and increase savings, cope with unexpected economic shocks, access social benefits more cheaply, and make investments in…

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S1 EP6 - Supporting Countries to Prepare and Respond Quickly to Climate Disasters with Nilesh Prakash, Co-Director of Global Shield against Climate Risks 37:15

8M ago37:15

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When climate disasters strike, the world's most vulnerable communities often face devastating financial losses. In an era of increasing climate risks, traditional disaster response isn't enough. Communities need financial solutions that put them in control of their recovery. In Episode 6 of the Financial Inclusion Unlocked Podcast, we met with Nile…

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#223: Severe Drought in Africa 1:23

8M ago1:23

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Further Reading: https://dx.doi.org/10.2760/2135988

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#222: Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Global Shipping 2:04

8M ago2:04

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1029/2024EF005255

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S1 EP5 - A New Approach to Financial Inclusion with Sophie Sirtaine, CEO of CGAP 30:29

9M ago30:29

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The way that we view and define financial inclusion continues to evolve. Not only is financial inclusion measured on purely “access” but on how it can be a vehicle to accelerate the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. In this episode, we meet with Sophie Sirtaine, the Chief Executive Officer of CGAP, to discuss what the future of financial inclusi…

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S1 EP4 - The Transformative Power of Saving Groups with Jeff Ashe 36:00

9M ago36:00

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From Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to ROSCAs and Cuchubales, community-based financial groups have a long history of empowering individuals. Whether it’s for personal development or economic resilience, saving groups have been a cornerstone of financial inclusion for centuries. In this episode, we met with Jeff Ashe, a financial inc…

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#221: Human Impact on Global Biodiversity 1:21

9M ago1:21

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08752-2

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Empowering Women Through Investment: Driving Impact & Economic Growth 27:44

9M ago27:44

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In celebration of International Women’s Day, this episode explores how finance can be a powerful lever for advancing gender equity. We discuss how strong ESG practices can protect women in the workplace and how Gender Lens Investing can promote women as leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. What does it take to build a more inclusive economy, …

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S1 EP3 - How a Bank In Uganda Is Providing Access To Finance For Refugees 20:40

9M ago20:40

20:40

Uganda is the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, with over 1.7 million refugees and asylum seekers in the country. For those arriving in Uganda, accessing basic financial services has been incredibly difficult due to a lack of legal documentation, collateral and inadequate banking infrastructure. In this episode, we met with two leading exp…

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S1 EP2 - How Parametric Insurance is Protecting Communities in Fiji Against Cyclones and Flooding 29:03

9M ago29:03

29:03

With the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events increasing, Small Island Developing States (SIDs) are bearing the brunt of climate change, facing a growing number of threats including cyclones, floods, and rising sea levels. For instance, Fiji alone has seen devastating impacts from cyclones like Cyclone Winston in 2016, which the World …

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S1 EP1 - The Potential of Fast Payments with The World Bank 27:43

9M ago27:43

27:43

In the first episode of the new Financial Inclusion Unlocked podcast, Jack met with Thomas Yann Piveteau, Financial Sector Specialist at The World Bank to learn about Project FASTT. Thomas explained the objectives of the project, which aims to develop fast payment systems globally. The discussion covers the benefits of these systems, the role of ce…

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#220: The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health in Madagascar 1:20

9M ago1:20

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joclim.2025.100438

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Series 1 Trailer! 1:50

10M ago1:50

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Financial Inclusion Unlocked is launching on 24th March!! The new podcast series is on a journey to learn how we can unlock the potential of financial inclusion as an enabler for the 17 UN SDGs. From the heights of Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains to the islands of Fiji, we're uncovering stories of breakthrough solutions covering topics from parametric …

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#219: Effects of Pesticides on Bumble Bee Brain 1:14

10M ago1:14

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02169-z

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#218: Functional Properties of Tropical Forest Canopies 1:35

10M ago1:35

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08663-2

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#217: New Volcanic Eruption Forecasting Tool 1:08

10M ago1:08

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56689-x

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#216: Understanding Glacier Lake Outburst Floods 1:21

10M ago1:21

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44221-025-00388-w

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#215: Monitoring Melting of the Arctic Ice 1:10

10M ago1:10

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apor.2024.104316

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#214: Sahara Historical Rainfall Pattern 1:03

11M ago1:03

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2024.119195

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The Impact of Regenerative Agriculture: Financing Food Systems that Restore Nature 30:59

11M ago30:59

30:59

As the global demand for sustainable food grows, regenerative agriculture has emerged as a powerful solution to address environmental degradation, food insecurity, and economic inequities. But how can investors, businesses, and policymakers work together to scale these solutions while ensuring profitable, nature-positive outcomes? Panelists: Harrie…

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#213: Understanding Ebola Virus Transmission 0:56

11M ago0:56

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Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr6140