Salome W. Kimani

Consultant

Salome joined CGAP in October 2023 and is currently engaged with CGAP’s work on scaling innovative finance for micro and small enterprises (MSE). Salome has worked extensively on the financial sustainability of microfinance institutions, and the financial and digital inclusivity of MSMEs, migrants, women, youth and refugees in Africa. Prior to joining CGAP, she led a four-year longitudinal study to investigate the complex dynamics of MSEs and their economic, social, financial and digital significance in Sub-Saharan Africa in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She also worked as a Senior Consultant with the African Development Bank (AfDB), on the Somalia Work Program, and also served as the key liaison officer on the AfDB Somalia Remittances Work Program, providing advisory services and technical assistance to the Somali government on ways to secure remittance flows and improve access to financial services targeting youth, women, refugees, and migrants in Somalia. Prior to this, Salome was a Communications Specialist at Kenya Power conveying information, updates and critical messages to the media, principals, and community members. Salome holds a PhD from Queen Mary University of London specializing in remaking urban marketplaces and everyday financial practices of MSEs, and a Master's degree in International Development from the University of Manchester.

By Salome W. Kimani

Research

Empowering Small Giants: Inclusive Embedded Finance for Micro-retailers

Financial inclusion is becoming more feasible for many excluded and underserved micro-retailers, thanks to the emergence of new B2B e-commerce companies that are digitizing the final stage of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chain. This report outlines various business models that incorporate last-mile retailers into digital ordering platforms, offering them convenience, transparency, and a wide range of products.