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Mobile Broadband Internet Access is Proven to Reduce Poverty – Again!

Mobile Broadband Internet Access is Proven to Reduce Poverty – Again!

Published on: Feb 20 2025 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
A few years ago, MIT, Georgetown, and the GSMA proved that mobile money can lift women out of poverty. Then we learned that mobile broadband Internet access reduces...
You Lost Your Job. What To Do Now? Pivot Your Career!

You Lost Your Job. What To Do Now? Pivot Your Career!

Published on: Feb 18 2025 by Wayan Vota - Leave a Comment
 The end of USAID is causing widespread unemployment around the world. At least 50,000 people lost their jobs already and 100,000 could lose their jobs soon. This...
Lost USAID Funding? Three Ways to Fight for Survival Today

Lost USAID Funding? Three Ways to Fight for Survival Today

Published on: Feb 17 2025 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
USAID is dying a slow death. Not everyone has fully realized this yet, but its the sad truth. When USA foreign assistance returns – and I believe it will...
Why the Artificial Intelligence Cold War Matters for Digital Development Practitioners

Why the Artificial Intelligence Cold War Matters for Digital Development Practitioners

Published on: Feb 13 2025 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
The “AI Cold War” refers to a geopolitical narrative describing the technological and strategic rivalry between major powers, primarily the United States...
The Hidden 30% Cost Premium of Digital Cash Transfers for Refugees

The Hidden 30% Cost Premium of Digital Cash Transfers for Refugees

Published on: Feb 12 2025 by Wayan Vota - 3 Comments
I believe in the transformative power of cash assistance for refugees. It provides dignity, choice, and flexibility. But recent research from Kenya questions our...
Happy Early Valentine’s Day Present to USAID Staff

Happy Early Valentine’s Day Present to USAID Staff

Published on: Feb 10 2025 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
A great early Valentine’s Day to USAID staff stationed overseas! A Federal judge ordered a reprieve from the global recall and administrative leave –...
An Obituary for USAID: an Icon of Global Development

An Obituary for USAID: an Icon of Global Development

Published on: Feb 04 2025 by Wayan Vota - 7 Comments
USAID passed away this weekend from Administration causes. It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of USAID, an institution that once stood as...
What’s Next You Ask? Trump Just Halted Domestic USG Funding

What’s Next You Ask? Trump Just Halted Domestic USG Funding

Published on: Jan 28 2025 by Wayan Vota - Leave a Comment
President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio halted all US government foreign assistance spending on Friday, precipitating a humanitarian aid disaster. Starting...
Generative AI Now Proven to Advance Learning Outcomes in Nigeria

Generative AI Now Proven to Advance Learning Outcomes in Nigeria

Published on: Jan 23 2025 by Wayan Vota - Leave a Comment
We know that students receiving one-on-one tutoring outperform peers who only have traditional classroom instruction. However, individualized learning programs...
Trump Day 1 Executive Orders: New USAID Funding Freeze & USDS Change

Trump Day 1 Executive Orders: New USAID Funding Freeze & USDS Change

Published on: Jan 21 2025 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
Yesterday started the Trump 2.0 Administration in the USA and the new President has signed a slew of Executive Orders. These generally govern the processes of the...