Lendahand Blog

Written by Lynn Hamerlinck on 18 May 2021

Many would bet their gold that emerging markets are not the likely home for innovations and inventions like drones, fintech, covid contact tracing apps, and so much more. And yet, there are countless homegrown ideas from developing countries that impact the lives of thousands. When shining a light on their capabilities, we witness an incredible display of possibility.

Written by Femke Rutgers on 3 March 2021

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the richest countries in natural resources. How is it that it is still one of the poorest countries in the world?

Written by Lynn Hamerlinck on 20 February 2021

Today marks Social Justice Day, a global observance date by the United Nations to encourage people to look at how social justice affects poverty eradication. This year’s theme is A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy, a topical subject, as many of us work digitally due to the pandemic.

Written by Femke Rutgers on 12 January 2021

Millions of people worldwide lack safe drinking water, an essential basic need. While billions come short of access to improved sanitation, there are more people in the world with a mobile phone than a toilet. How can water-microfinancing be used to counter these global problems?

Written by Lynn Hamerlinck on 14 December 2020

Adding a second European partner to our portfolio, we are beyond excited to offer investment opportunities that will create a positive impact on our European soil. To get to know Moldova better, we listed five of the biggest challenges this country is facing.

Written by Lynn Hamerlinck on 10 December 2020

In many emerging markets, the empowerment of women is particularly important. But there’s a worldwide need to support women to fulfill their potential. Are women the next emerging market?

Written by Lynn Hamerlinck on 26 November 2020

Today we explore three Lendahand Portfolio Companies you might not know are using innovative technology to fight poverty. Technological innovation creates opportunities to grow economies in entirely new ways.

Written by Lynn Hamerlinck on 5 November 2020

When you travel to a country like Uganda, you prepare yourself for a string of buses, minivans and boda-boda’s to get around. But as a local, you want reliable and safe options to commute to work or to get to an appointment on time. How do you get from A to B?

Written by Lynn Hamerlinck on 7 October 2020

It might sound surprising that while the pandemic is affecting economies and households all over the world, solar home systems are in high demand in Africa. But when you suddenly start spending all your time at home, light and electricity become priorities.

Written by Lynn Hamerlinck on 23 September 2020

Over the past few years, the Lendahand portfolio has diversified significantly. You can directly fund entrepreneurs from several different industries, such as agriculture or solar energy. Additionally, you can also visit our platform for perhaps the best-known form of financing in emerging markets: microfinance institutions (MFIs).

Providing emerging markets, especially in Sub-Saharan countries, with social, economic and humanitarian aid has been a top priority for the West since the ‘60s. The idea has always remained the same; donating large amounts of money will close the savings gap. However, research has shown that foreign aid doesn’t necessarily make for a better world. It can actually do more harm than good. How is Lendahand any different?

Here are some astonishing numbers. Approximately three billion people lack access to clean cooking solutions. They are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution. On top of that, 840 million people live without electricity, of which 50% live in Sub-Saharan Africa. The United Nations wants to ensure access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all. We’re proud to introduce you to three of our partners who do just that.

What affects one person anywhere, affects everyone everywhere. Coronavirus has shown that what we need is more collective action. We need a common response, involving each and everyone. As human beings we need to realize that we’re all in this together and that we are inevitably part of a species. If we fall back into nationalism, as is currently taking place, we are giving away the chance to really promote change. What can we do today?

According to the United Nations “public investment in agriculture globally is declining. Small-scale food producers and family farmers require much greater support.” What the UN cannot stress enough is that “Investment in the agriculture sector is critical for reducing hunger and poverty, improving food security, creating employment and building resilience to disasters and shocks.” Food for thought, right?

It’s our mission to fight poverty by investing in people and businesses. The facts are harsh. 731 million people live in extreme poverty. They survive on less than €1,90 a day. To eradicate poverty, we need to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all. Here’s how you can contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal #8.

As we are all tragically aware, a health emergency such as COVID-19 can cause bankruptcy in both developed and developing countries. However, in the Netherlands we are fortunate enough to rely on a social safety net. Also, we are able to physically distance ourselves from one another and work from home. In developing countries, there isn’t space to socially distance yourself. What can we do to ensure healthy lives for all?

Despite the sunny weather we’ve all been spending most of our time indoors. By ourselves, maybe a partner or a roommate and hopefully a stocked refrigerator, these can be lonely times. Social distancing is challenging, but could also be rewarding. Would you believe us if we tell you your self quarantine can actually empower communities?

Good news: there’s no need for you to go outside to make an impact. There are tons of things you can do from the comfort of your home. So put on your pajamas, pour yourself a beverage of choice and raise your glass. Here’s to solidarity!