22 Developing World Business Innovations

From Cashless Crop Payments to African Youth Platforms

— February 16, 2017 — World
Virtual telemedicine platforms, charitable clothing brands and accessible mobile banks are just some developing world innovations that are gaining attention thanks to their unique business models.

Breaking down common misconceptions surrounding developing nations, these examples include standouts like OMG Digital, a Ghanian youth media platform that shares cultural content while spotlighting innovations in African film, music, fashion and business. Another notable example is India's Kampus Karma platform that connects college students across the country, giving them a chance to share assignments and notes or to set-up exam study sessions.

Other developing world innovations to take note off include self-testing HIV kits that make crucial medical treatment more accessible for those that cannot afford it, along with solar energy and data-sharing startups that aim to make electricity and internet access more cost-effective for low income families.



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Mobile Maternal Health Solutions
Mobile Maternal Health Solutions
The GiftedMom Health Care App Helps Mothers in Developing Areas
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21
App-Free Rideshare Ordering
App-Free Rideshare Ordering
Uber Patrons in India can Order a Ride Through dial.uber.com
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20
Accessible Mobile Banks
Accessible Mobile Banks
The Just Launched Airtel Payments Bank is the First of Its Kind in India
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19
Virtual Campus Platforms
Virtual Campus Platforms
The Campus Karma Platform Aims to Connect College Students Across India
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18
Slum Beacon Projects
Slum Beacon Projects
Beacons are Helping Mumbai Slums Compete in Retail and Manufacturing
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17
Self-Testing HIV Kits
Self-Testing HIV Kits
Project Masiluleke is an HIV Kit That Consumers Can Use to Test Themselves
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16
Data-Donating Refugee Campaigns
Data-Donating Refugee Campaigns
Three Sweden Lets Customers Donate Their Leftover Data to UNHCR
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15
Online African Art Initiatives
Online African Art Initiatives
'IrokoX' is an Online Platform for Pan-African Artists
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14
Cashless Crop Payments
Cashless Crop Payments
Mastercard's '2Kuze' App Delivers Faster Payments to Farmers
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13
Sugar Sensor Startups
Sugar Sensor Startups
NubeSol's Remote Sensing Services Are Boosting the Indian Sugar Industry
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12
African Youth Media Platforms
African Youth Media Platforms
OMG Digital Describes Itself as the BuzzFeed for Africa
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11
Streamlined Telemedicine Startups
Streamlined Telemedicine Startups
This Health-Tech Startup Uses Tele-Consulting For Targeted Care
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10
Video Chat ATMs
Video Chat ATMs
Singapore's DBS Bank is Testing ATMs with a Live Video Call Option
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9
Hand-Painted Scarf Collections
Hand-Painted Scarf Collections
This Brand of Scarves is Ethically Produced in Bangladesh
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8
Risk-Revealing Conservation Campaigns
Risk-Revealing Conservation Campaigns
The African Conservation Foundation Offers Frightening Stats
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7
Solar Energy Startups
Solar Energy Startups
This Solar Startup Offers Solar Power Services and Accepts Mobile Payments
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Contraceptives Delivery Drones
Contraceptives Delivery Drones
Long-Flying UAVs are Being Used to Prevent Unwanted Pregnancies
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5
Ceremonial African Beers
Ceremonial African Beers
'BUSAA' Positions a Traditional Kenyan Drink as a Contemporary Craft Beer
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4
Solar-Powered Delivery Drones
Solar-Powered Delivery Drones
These Solar-powered Drones Can Deliver Goods to Rural Areas
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3
Open-Source Wheelchair Designs
Open-Source Wheelchair Designs
The 'Safariseat' is Designed for People in Developing Countries
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2
Tradition-Protecting Sandals
Tradition-Protecting Sandals
This Company Aims to Restore An Ancient Shoe-Making Tradition
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Handcrafted Ghanaian Footwear
Handcrafted Ghanaian Footwear
Kwame Baah Traditional Shoes Support Artisans in Ghana
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