A2: Some of the top opportunities I see in 2024, as an online publication in the impact media space, include:
leveraging new platforms and strategies for reaching specific sub-groups of our readership, eg: tapping into existing online communities organized around different topics/business sectors we cover on NextBillion.
finding new alternatives to Twitter (sorry, I’m never going to call it X). Twitter had always been the centerpiece of NextBillion’s social media outreach, but it has obviously changed considerably over the past couple of years. Many of our readers seem to be using it less than before, and it’s generating less traffic to our site. But after waiting in vain for Post News, Mastodon, etc. (remember those?) to become the “new Twitter”, we’re focusing on expanding and optimizing our usage of established social media sites like LinkedIn.
experimenting with ways to serve up our different types of content to specific groups of readers who are interested in that content in particular. For instance, this might include creating newsletters around different types of NextBillion content, eg: events, jobs, etc. We’ve already started this process with a LinkedIn newsletter (BizDev in Emerging Markets | LinkedIn) that shares the most-recent opportunities on our new Business Development page: https://nextbillion.net/bizdev/.
A2: COP to COP Momentum
The public focus on COP Discussions and Outcomes has exploded since the Paris Agreement and accelerated further at COP26 in Glasgow and the most recent COP28 attracted considerable social media attention. This gives us hope that the decision-makers can no longer “hide in plain sight” and the voices of the common people are being heard through initiatives such as BFP.
This shows up with us (B Lab/B Corporation) as an organisation in the work we’re doing to evolve our standards. These new standards will provide clarity for companies, galvanizing the most impactful business actions and focusing on what really matters, meaningfully demonstrating the leadership role that B Corps and the B Corp movement play in the world.
Finding a niche or using the environment awareness to your advantage.
Empowered young women (young women recognized have recognized that they have more choices and they are more fearless in getting what they want. )
The right technologies to keep up with the rest of the World for example in the agriculture sector (they are becoming much more affordable and more local companies are manufacturing them or using new methods for example solar irrigation methods)
More people are leaning more and more towards Apprenticeship (honing their skills in a more practical way)
A2: PART 1: USING TOOLS FROM OTHER DISCIPLINES TO STRENGTHEN IMPACT
Use frameworks and tools from other disciplines, such as lean thinking into company operations – how can we apply principles and tools of lean thinking to strengthen operations and enhance impact? I co-wrote this article explaining how lean thinking can be used outside of the manufacturing industry.
Are there any other companies that are developing their HRDD to prevent gender based violence. Maybe this is an opportunity to share some experiences of this work. Its very formative work.
A1- What are the key challenges I am facing for 2024
**Canada Poverty institute is researching on how to address barrier to business inclusivity (decent work). The challenges that are likely to be faced are
Availability and accessibility of accurate and comprehensive data on economic inclusion metrics may pose challenges.
Difficulty in obtaining real-time or up-to-date data, especially for vulnerable or marginalized populations.
*Difficulties in adopting to Global Economic Dynamics
A2: From an opportunity perspective, in the climate space I am hopeful that collaborative partnerships like * CTCN 2022-2023 Progress report can be taken forward - there is a really strong focus on moblising resources and delivering on projects - If there is any interest here please let me know and I can make some connections
Jane we have been looking at GBVH in rural communities in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan for the last two years - it would be good to chat. We weren’t sure if we were the right organisation to do this - but as we are trusted by communities we have been able to have good conversations and some changes have been seen already
A2. Digital for All; inclusive, accessible and scalable for impact. Would be great to see more inclusive design of digital tools to meet needs of end users. We just had some great insights from Women Entrepreneurs in Guyana. They evidenced the value of using mobile money in their business to reduce travel, increase personal safety and leapfrog some gender bias. So positive for them.
A2: Amid all the challenges, innovations/ new technologies in health and climate change offer glimmers of hope. Just yesterday, Cameroon started rolling out the first ever mass campaign of the malaria vaccine.
Would love to connect! We will have a lot going on as well in youth for climate innovations this year. You can find me here: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-schmidt
A2 Government Ministries leading a coordinated response to EU Supply Chain Due Diligence developments
I am just back from a trip to Uganda where I was delighted to meet with MAAFI officials there who are pressing ahead with an outstanding initiative to introduce sector-wide multi-crop traceability. A vital tool for due diligence, but more importantly a springboard to better decision-making in the future.
The digitalisation presents key medium which can make us to reach the poor in ways r\that are more effective than before.more services and goods can now read the poor than before. In Africa the African Continental Free Trade Area will also improve inclusiveness and empower women. Most traders in Africa are women . Rapid urbanisation which is highest in African Countries provides huge opportunities in services and scale
Apart from the focus from most of funders on new shiny solutions, there is a massive need for focus on scaling up existing and proven solutions, instead of reinventing the wheel every time. Scale Up or Fail Fast.
Hi Rucha, Would be great to connect. We are looking for partners with whom to create and test innovative last mile distribution and installation models to increase affordability and adoption of household WASH solutions in rural Africa and Asia.