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New research from Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion reveals digital technologies are fueling micro and small business growth in emerging markets

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Survey of over 20,000 micro and small businesses in five major cities shows digital tools are driving sales and improved productivity, but flexible financial services needed to strengthen businesses’ financial health

WASHINGTON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New research from the Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) at Accion released today reveals that MSEs adopting digital tools are up to 10% more likely to report revenue growth, but usage of these tools remains low. CFI’s report provides the clearest picture yet of the challenges and opportunities that determine the business trajectory of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in five rapidly changing emerging markets.

The survey of MSEs across Addis Ababa, Delhi, Jakarta, Lagos, and São Paulo revealed digital products and services offered opportunities for growth and greater efficiencies, while highlighting resource constraints, consumer protection risks, and heightened vulnerability to economic and climate shocks, as challenges faced by the businesses.

Key findings from the study include:

MSEs adopting digital tools were up to 10% more likely to report revenue growth, but usage of these tools remained low. In Addis Ababa, more than half of MSEs reported using no digital technology applications. MSEs in Delhi, Jakarta, and Lagos were using at least one digital tool.Entrepreneurs across the 5 cities reported using an average of 1.8 to 5 formal financial services, reflecting diverse levels of adoption and engagement with financial tools. Businesses that integrated digital payments reported significantly higher revenue per employee.Women entrepreneurs represented 70% of MSE owners in Jakarta, but just 11% in Delhi, with figures of 35% in São Paulo, 43% in Addis Ababa, and 53% in Lagos. In many markets, MSEs are not started by choice but as a response to unemployment, making the businesses more vulnerable and reducing long-term resilience, which has implications for financial service design.1 in 3 micro and small businesses reported being impacted by drought, floods, or other environmental shocks, and less than 20% reported being able to come up with emergency funds within one week. Of those entrepreneurs impacted by an environmental shock, up to 29% said they were more likely to invest in adapting their business to the changing climate.

The study, supported by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, used Adaptive Cluster Sampling – a research technique that enabled a strong focus on urban areas with high numbers of MSEs. CFI focused on understanding the drivers of financial health for MSEs that represent the largest source of income generation in emerging markets. A total of 20,000 MSEs were surveyed, with 4,000 interviews conducted to build a sample that represents 1.7 million MSEs across the 5 cities.

“Nowadays, small businesses are facing unprecedented threats, from cyberattacks to the economic impact of extreme weather events,” said Payal Dalal, executive vice president of global programs at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. “The research released by Accion highlights the opportunity to work alongside small businesses to provide solutions that secure them against these challenges; it’s not only about mitigating risks in the digital economy but making sure small businesses have the opportunity to thrive during this increasingly volatile time.”

The research highlighted the importance of access to digital technology and formal financing, but noted resilience was determined by a wider range of factors including personal safety nets, such as savings and informal support systems. Businesses that combined access to credit, savings, and insurance with strong financial literacy were better positioned to manage shocks, and entrepreneurs with higher education levels were more likely to use a mix of different formal financial services, contributing to stronger resilience and improved financial health.

Researchers tracked the use of 10 distinct non-financial and financial digital technologies among MSEs, showing stark differences in adoption. In Addis Ababa, MSEs used an average of only 1.6 digital technologies, largely due to poor internet connectivity. In contrast, Delhi, Jakarta, and Lagos showed wider adoption of digital tools, with messaging apps and social media used widely to engage customers. E-commerce platforms remained under-utilized by MSEs across all cities, emphasizing potential for significant growth when barriers such as digital literacy and access are addressed.

The study also revealed many MSEs are already making small investments to prepare for shocks, such as stocking up on supplies before expected disruptions, investing in backup power sources, or reinforcing physical infrastructure. Yet the same businesses reported low levels of borrowing in response to emergencies, demonstrating that financial services are not structured to support these types of preemptive or recovery-oriented investments. During emergencies, traditional application and approval processes can be disrupted, leaving businesses without timely support, and underscoring the need for disaster-resilient financial services, such as pre-approved credit lines or insurance products that can provide immediate assistance to businesses when they need it most.

Edoardo Totolo, Vice President of Research and Programs at the Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion and lead author of the report, said: “Our research shows when micro and small businesses are connected to the digital economy and a range of financial solutions, they are better equipped to withstand real-world emergencies. Unfortunately, insurance, savings, and responsible credit remain out of reach for many of these businesses that are the engines of their national economies. While the advantages of going digital are clear, policymakers and financial providers must design products tailored to the needs of these vulnerable businesses that they can easily use and trust to ensure advances in technology improve their financial health.” 

About the Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion

The Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) is an independent think tank that uses rigorous research and advocacy to advance inclusive financial systems for low-income people around the world. We work to advance inclusive financial services for the billions of people who currently lack the financial tools needed to improve their lives and prosper. We leverage partnerships to conduct rigorous research and test promising solutions and advocate for evidence-based change. CFI was founded by Accion in 2008 as an independent think tank on inclusive finance. More at https://www.centerforfinancialinclusion.org  

About Accion 

Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy for the nearly two billion people who are failed by the global financial system. We develop and scale responsible digital financial solutions for small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women, so they can make informed decisions and improve their lives. Through targeted investment strategies, advisory solutions, and expert thought leadership, we work with local partners to develop and scale cheaper, more accessible, and customer-friendly financial solutions. Since 1961, Accion has helped build 267 financial service providers serving low-income clients in 75 countries, reaching 440 million people. More at https://www.accion.org

About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth  

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company’s core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs, and empower a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn, Instagram and subscribe to its newsletter.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-research-from-center-for-financial-inclusion-at-accion-reveals-digital-technologies-are-fueling-micro-and-small-business-growth-in-emerging-markets-302436483.html

SOURCE The Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion

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ManpowerGroup Announces Investment in New Paris-Based AI HR Hub at Choose France Summit

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PARIS, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN), global leader in innovative workforce solutions, announces the launch of its new AI HR Hub in Paris, located at its French headquarters in La Défense. Attending the Choose France Summit, ManpowerGroup underscored its commitment to delivering human-first, AI-powered solutions for both clients and candidates – and aligns with its ongoing investment in France as a key hub for innovation, digital leadership, and talent. This also reaffirms ManpowerGroup’s support of the EU’s AI Act, and ethical and responsible approach to digital advancement and home-grown innovations.

The announcement was made during the eighth edition of the Choose France Summit, an international business event hosted by President Emmanuel Macron and the French Government, aimed at promoting France’s economic attractiveness. With more than €200 million investment in innovation projects and training in France over the next three years, ManpowerGroup reinforces its commitment to promote the country’s economic and innovation attractiveness aligned with President Macron’s vision. Together with the AI HR Hub, ManpowerGroup is also creating more than 30 Manpower branches and over 200 high-skilled additional jobs everywhere in France.

“We are proud to announce our new AI HR Hub in Paris as part of our commitment to the Choose France initiative,” said Jonas Prising, Chair & CEO of ManpowerGroup. “With this Hub, we bring together our Human-First and Digital-Always philosophy, and the power of GenAI and agentic technologies to drive more inclusive, personalized and agile solutions for people and businesses. This investment reflects our trust in France and Europe’s digital future and our shared vision of developing human-centered AI solutions that will shape the future of work.”

The Paris-based AI HR Hub will act as a Regional Center of Excellence, developing home-grown innovations and scaling advanced capabilities across ManpowerGroup’s global brands – Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions.

“As France emerges as a powerhouse for AI development, we are excited to support the growth of a strong talent pool with forward-looking regulation and global influence. Paris is an ideal location for ManpowerGroup’s AI HR Hub,” Riccardo Barberis, Northern Europe and France President at ManpowerGroup, said. “Our goal is to use innovation to develop human-centered AI solutions for our clients and candidates, enhancing human potential and transforming how work gets done. This Hub is our commitment to investing in that future – in France, and beyond.”

Key focus areas of the AI HR Hub include:

Enhanced Candidate Journeys: Using GenAI to provide personalized career guidance, skills assessments, and real-time job-matching at scale.Smarter Client Solutions: Leveraging AI and advanced predictive analytics to improve strategic workforce planning, streamline hiring processes, and drive better business outcomes.Empowered HR Agents: Implementing agentic AI tools that support recruiters and talent advisors, enabling greater human capacity for more consumer personalization in line with labor market demand.

The ManpowerGroup AI HR Hub will also collaborate with AI startups and research institutions to develop public-private partnerships and create pathways for the next generation of AI-powered talent, while ensuring innovation is ethical, inclusive, and human-centered.

About ManpowerGroup
ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions – creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across more than 70 countries and territories and has done so for more than 75 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity – as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality, and Disability, and in 2025 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 16th time – all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.

For more information, visit www.manpowergroup.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Bluesky.

About Choose France
Choose France is an annual international business summit organized by President Macron and the French government to promote France’s economic attractiveness and encourage foreign investment in France. The event brings together hundreds of business leaders from around the world at the Palace of Versailles and showcases France as a prime location for international business and innovation.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/manpowergroup-announces-investment-in-new-paris-based-ai-hr-hub-at-choose-france-summit-302458665.html

SOURCE ManpowerGroup

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Cell Impact delivers flow plates and test tools to a major player in Asia

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KARLSKOGA, Sweden, May 19, 2025 /CNW/ — Cell Impact AB (publ) has signed an agreement to deliver test tools to a leading industrial player in Asia. The deal confirms Cell Impact’s attractive offering and its unique forming technology.

The agreement is a follow-up order from a customer with whom Cell Impact has previously conducted development projects.

“The tests of our forming technology conducted by this customer have been successful, which has laid the foundation for today’s agreement. This is a process we have seen before. Successful tests of Cell Impact Forming™ lead to new business, which in turn is a prerequisite for future volume production,” says Mr. Daniel Vallin, CEO of Cell Impact.

The order includes both flow plates and a test tool that will be used to manufacture customized flow plates. Delivery will take place during the second quarter, and the order value amounts to MSEK 0.6.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690599/Cell_Impact.jpg

For more information, please contact:
Daniel Vallin
CEO and IR contact, Cell Impact AB (publ)
+46730686620 or daniel.vallin@cellimpact.com 

About Cell Impact

Cell Impact AB (publ) is a global supplier of advanced flow plates to fuel cell and electrolyzer manufacturers. The company has developed and patented a unique method for high velocity forming, Cell Impact Forming™ which is significantly more scalable and cost-efficient compared to conventional forming methods. Cell Impact Forming is an environmentally friendly forming technology that consumes no water and very little electrical power.

The Cell Impact share is listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market and FNCA Sweden AB is the company’s Certified Advisor (CA).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cell-impact-delivers-flow-plates-and-test-tools-to-a-major-player-in-asia-302458870.html

SOURCE Cell Impact

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MiTAC Computing Unveils Full Server Lineup for Data Centers and Enterprises Powered by Intel Xeon 6 Processors at COMPUTEX 2025

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TAIPEI, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation, a leading server platform designer, manufacturer, and a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings Corporation (TSE:3706), has launched its full suite of next-generation servers for data centers and enterprises at COMPUTEX 2025 (Booth M1110). Powered by Intel Xeon 6 processors, including those with Performance-cores (P-cores), MiTAC’s new platforms are purpose-built for AI, HPC, cloud, and enterprise applications.

“For over five decades, MiTAC and Intel have built a close, collaborative relationship that continues to push innovation forward. Our latest server lineup reflects this legacy—combining Intel’s cutting-edge processing power with MiTAC Computing’s deep expertise in system design to deliver scalable, high-efficiency solutions for modern data centers.” 
Rick Hwang, President of MiTAC Computing.

AI and HPC Servers

MiTAC G4527G6
A 4U AI powerhouse based on MGX™ architecture featuring dual Intel Xeon 6767P processors, the G4527G6 supports up to 8 GPUs and 32 DDR5-6400 RDIMM slots with memory up to 8TB—ideal for AI training, LLM inference, HPC, and advanced analytics. With 8 PCIe 5.0 x 16 slots and advanced 3+1 9,600W CRPS, it provides a robust foundation for large-scale AI deployments.MiTAC G4520G6
Optimized for compute-intensive AI and HPC workloads, the G4520G6 features dual Intel Xeon 6700P series processors, 8 high-performance GPUs, 32 DDR5-6400 RDIMM slots with memory up to 8TB, and energy-efficient 80+ Titanium-certified power supplies.

Cloud Servers:

MiTAC M2710G6 and M2510G6
High-density 2U systems designed for cloud and hyperscale environments. The 2-node M2710G6 supports Intel Xeon 6900P series processors and up to 128 computing cores per node for VM and container deployment in datacenters. The 4-node M2510G6 is a cost-efficient server for CSPs supporting Intel Xeon 6700P series processors and 16 DDR5-6400 RDIMM slots with memory up to 4TB (per node).MiTAC R1520G6
A 1U dual-socket server featuring Intel Xeon 6700P series processors, optimized for memory-intensive computing and scalable storage workloads.
It includes 10 NVMe U.2 drive bays for fast deployment and serviceability.MiTAC R2513G6
A storage-optimized 2U system supporting up to 24 x 3.5″ SATA drives, integrated SAS RAID, and NVMe/DDR5 for added cache and compute flexibility—perfect for storage-intensive environments.

Enterprise Servers

MiTAC R2520G6
A versatile 2U dual-socket platform with Intel Xeon 6700P series processors supporting 32 DDR5-6400 RDIMM slots with memory up to 8TB, and flexible storage (from 8 to 24 NVMe U.2 drive bays), the R2520G6 is ideal for ERP, SCM, and business intelligence applications.

Powering Future Compute with MiTAC Computing and Intel

Together, MiTAC Computing and Intel are helping organizations modernize their infrastructure to meet the demands of AI-driven, data-intensive workloads. Intel Xeon 6 processors with P-cores deliver built-in AI acceleration, up to 128 cores, and support for high-bandwidth memory—enabling MiTAC’s next-gen platforms to reduce TCO, enhance scalability, and support secure, efficient operations.

Visit MiTAC Computing at COMPUTEX 2025 – Booth M1110
Explore our new launches: https://www.mitaccomputing.com/en/campaign/computex2025

Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. 

About MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation

MiTAC Computing Technology Corp., a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings, delivers comprehensive, energy-efficient server solutions backed by industry expertise dating back to the 1990s. Specializing in AI, HPC, cloud, and edge computing, MiTAC Computing employs rigorous methods to ensure uncompromising quality not just at the barebone level but more importantly, at the system and rack levels—where true performance and integration matter most. This commitment to quality at every level set MiTAC Computing apart from others in the industry. The company provides tailored platforms for hyperscale data centers, HPC, and AI applications, guaranteeing optimal performance and scalability.

With a global presence and end-to-end capabilities, from R&D and manufacturing to global support, MiTAC Computing offers flexible, high-quality solutions designed to meet unique business needs. Leveraging the latest advancements in AI and liquid cooling, along with the recent integration of Intel DSG and TYAN server products, MiTAC Computing stands out for its innovation, efficiency, and reliability, empowering businesses to tackle future challenges.

Visit our corporate website: https://www.mitaccomputing.com/

SOURCE MiTAC Computing Technology Corp.

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