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Tag archives for Global Development Lab

Why Investing in Entrepreneurs Reaps Big Rewards

“The biggest challenge is access to funding—it’s that simple.” I have heard this refrain from entrepreneurs for years. This time, I was listening to Vava Angwenyi—an entrepreneur who started the Kenya-based social enterprise Vava Coffee seven years ago—speak about the most difficult obstacle in growing her business. USAID believes entrepreneurs are critical drivers of inclusive […]

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Q&A with an AAAS Researcher: Funding Great Ideas & Helping Talent Flourish

Cameron Bess is a senior research advisor for the U.S. Global Development Lab. / Alma Aliaj, USAID

In this series, we interview Cameron Bess, a senior research advisor working on a competitive grants program, who shares why he became a AAAS fellow and the role that scientists and engineers can play in accelerating international development outcomes.

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Looking Down Supply Chains to Counter Human Trafficking

Senior Counter-Trafficking in Persons Fellow Marina Colby for DCHA/DRG presents at the Regional Conference on Information Communication Technology to Combat Human Trafficking in Bangkok. / @USAIDAsia Twitter

On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, USAID recognizes human trafficking as a major violation of human rights. To better identify and counter human trafficking in supply chains, USAID is pioneering an initiative called Supply Unchained.

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USAID Seeds Innovation: 15 Social Entrepreneurs Making a Difference

Field engineer, Mathew, stress tests Smart Tractor at test farm in Kaduna as kids from nearby village look. / Jehiel Oliver.

With interests ranging from “Uber for tractors” to rights for the visually impaired, the innovations from this year’s Echoing Green Global Fellows are providing essential services, creating jobs and reducing poverty — often through market-based solutions.

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Turning Data into Action

Midwives in Timor-Leste are sharing vital health information with new mothers via mobile phones, while tracking health statistics in real time through the Mobile Moms project. / Catalpa International

How is USAID taking advantage of advances in data and technology? Read how innovators from Senegal to Kosovo are turning data into action.

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Filling the Void: Thinking About Limited Data in the Developing World

Ryan Zimmerman, third baseman for the Washington Nationals, on his way to homeplate to be mobbed by his ecstatic teammates after hitting a game-winning home run against the Atlanta Braves on opening night at the inaugural game played at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. / Kevin Harber, CC

All data are not created equal and are certainly not uniformly available or reliable across the world. USAID and the development community should prioritize working to increase the amount of reliable data available to inform decision making.

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Why Strengthening Civil Society Matters + Co-Creating Solutions Rocks

Workshop participant Josh Machleder of Internews uses a creative prop during the “product in a box” exercise explaining how to nurture civil society activism under restrictive conditions. / Reboot

The DRG Center is using the Global Development Lab’s new Development Innovation Accelerator to do better, more innovative programming. In September 2014, President Obama charged USAID with developing six networked regional civil society innovation centers all over the world. USAID used the DIA to have a huge co-creation meeting with over 60 stakeholders to co-design the initiative.

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A New Leader for the U.S. Global Development Lab

Ann Mei Chang’s arrival gives us the opportunity to both reflect on where the Lab has come over the past eight months, and the confidence to know that the best is yet to come.

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Diaspora Businesses Find Success in Africa and Beyond

Chinwe Ohajuruka, an American educated architect and business women is creating a model for green and affordable housing units in Nigeria.

Want to build a global business? Start it in Africa. A partnership between USAID and Western Union is helping promising entrepreneurs with roots on the continent to build high-impact businesses.

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The Power of Scientific Research Investment in Africa

USAID-related science programs assist in expanding training for women. / Zahur Ramji (AKDN)

Earlier this month, the New York Times published an op-ed arguing persuasively that scientific and technological progress is the key to African development. We are pleased to say that this vision is one that USAID fully supports and has already taken significant steps to catalyze. Today, Africans are the architects of their development, not just beneficiaries.

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