Emerging Markets Today

In the meantime, visit emergingmarkets.today Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠⁠. Follow us on Twitter⁠ ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠⁠ 

This is the last encore episode of 2023! In the face of the possible border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, I decided to repost the episode I recorded with Steven Jasmin, the Managing Director of SC3. Stephen has been deeply involved in Guyana since 2017 and has some fascinating insights about this rapidly growing nation. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: Guyana's Transformation: Since the discovery of oil in 2015, Guyana has been on a remarkable journey of growth. It's projected to have a real GDP growth rate of 4346%. The Qatar of South America: Steven believes that Guyana has the potential to become the "Qatar of South America" and the world's fastest-growing economy. This bold claim is backed by the country's massive oil reserves and its strategic location. Investment Opportunities: Guyana's growth isn't just about oil. There are significant opportunities in infrastructure development, eco-tourism, and real estate. Plans are underway for a massive deepwater harbor and a road or rail network connecting Guyana to Brazil. The Future of Guyana: Despite its small population, Steven predicts an influx of people due to its status as the fastest-growing economy. For more on Smart City Clearing Company Ltd.(Sc3) click here Follow Steven Jasmin on Linkedin and Twitter Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

Another encore from one of my favorite episodes! We talked about the little known country of Suriname. Our guest, Monique Pool, founder and director of the Green Heritage Fund Suriname, shares her insights and experiences with her journey into the wildlife conservation. Here are my three biggest takeaways from the episode: Urbanization is having a significant impact on Suriname's wildlife, particularly the sloths. Monique and her team are working tirelessly to save these animals and their habitats. The Green Heritage Fund Suriname is exploring innovative funding models, such as tree sponsorships and land purchases, to support their conservation efforts. They are also open to collaborations with individuals and organizations who have the necessary skills and resources to help them achieve their goals. Monique envisions a future where Suriname's economic development is balanced with the preservation of its natural resources and wildlife. This requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and local communities. Learn more about Monique and the Green Heritage Fund Suriname here You can contact them here Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

This is an encore episode! In 2021, I had the pleasure of interviewing Vinh Ho, an American entrepreneur and host of the podcast "Focus Asia Pacific". We talked about Vietnam's economic growth and its emergence as a rising star in Southeast Asia. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: Vietnam's Tech-Savvy Youth: Vinh shared his admiration for the young generation in Vietnam. Their tech-savviness is driving the country's startup ecosystem and the rise of mobile payments. Opportunities Amidst Chaos: Vinh believes that where there is chaos, there is potential for improvement and better offerings. He sees Vietnam as the "wild west" of opportunities, a stark contrast to the complacency often found in the West. China vs Vietnam: We discussed the differences between China and Vietnam in terms of technology and mobile payments. Interestingly, Vietnam's reasonable wages, which are one-third the price of China, make it an attractive place for businesses. Vihn's Journey: He shared his personal journey of moving to Vietnam and his passion for the country's business and manufacturing opportunities. As a sourcing agent, he's helping companies navigate this vibrant landscape. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

This episode is an encore! The year was 2021, in the middle of the Covid pandemic and I interviewed Carlos Kazuo Missao, and he was the director of the GFT Group in Brazil. This episode captured all the changes the fintech sector was going through (and still is). Here's a sneak peek of what we discussed: The Brazilian Fintech Landscape: Brazil is a hotbed for entrepreneurs and interconnected individuals, making it an exciting environment for fintech. The pandemic has even accelerated digital transformation in the financial market, leading to the success of challenger banks and digital wallets. The Power of PIX: We discussed the new instant payment solution, PIX, launched by the Brazilian central bank. It's revolutionizing payments in Brazil, with over 2 billion reais transferred in the first month alone! The Rise of Digital Wallets: Digital wallets have thrived in Brazil as a cheaper way to handle digital money. They've become marketplaces where users can transact money between companies and access consumer financial services. Banking the Unbanked: We touched on the issue of unbanked individuals in Brazil, and how digital wallets and light apps with financial services are reaching this population. The pandemic has even led to a surge in the number of people becoming banked overnight. Open Banking Revolution: Carlos shared his insights on the importance of open banking regulation in Brazil, aiming to democratize access to financial services and create a more competitive environment. Carlos believes that this is just the beginning for the fintech sector in Brazil. With the country's entrepreneurial spirit, the availability of technology, and supportive regulations, the future looks promising. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠⁠. Check out ⁠emergingmarkets.today⁠ Follow us on Twitter⁠ ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠⁠ 

This is an encore episode! Last year, I had the pleasure of chatting Ian Herbison, the CEO of the Speyside Group. We had a very insightful conversation about India's potential in the emerging markets, and I'm excited to share some key takeaways with you. India's Golden Decade: Ian and I discussed the buzz around India's golden decade, highlighting the country's growing domestic market and its increasing importance in global supply chains. With a large consumer base and a growing middle class, India is attracting foreign investment and playing a key role in the diversification of supply chains away from China. Semiconductors and the Digital Economy: We delved into the significance of semiconductors in the digital economy and the current tensions between China and the West. Ian highlighted India's role in securing the global supply of semiconductors, mentioning the partnership between the Vedanta Group and Foxconn to establish a mega factory in Gujarat, India. India's "Make in India" Strategy: We touched upon India's "Make in India" strategy, which aims to attract foreign investors while promoting the use of Indian-manufactured products. We also discussed the need for infrastructure investment in India and the involvement of domestic and foreign companies in this sector. Digital Innovation in India: Ian highlighted India's unique approach to digital payments, including the development of a national digital payments system. We also discussed the complexities and challenges of doing business in emerging markets, specifically focusing on India. Political Stability and Economic Growth: We compared India to other emerging markets like Brazil and Southeast Asian countries, noting that India's political stability is a crucial factor for economic growth. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠⁠. Check out ⁠emergingmarkets.today⁠ Follow us on Twitter⁠ ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠⁠ 

I've got some news to share that's just too good to keep under wraps. The podcast is turning three – can you believe it? In these 3 years I spoke to some amazing founders and thought leaders from different countries and sectors and I decided that some of the past episodes deverse to be shared again. So, I picked 5 of the past episodes, some of them were from the early days of the podcast where I still growing my audience, but they are still relevant. You will see that the audio quality wasn't the best at the begining but hey, we learn as we go along. Having said that, from now until the end of the year I will be republishing these episodes, hopefully with an improved audio quality - you all can hear them again or for the first time. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠⁠. Check out ⁠emergingmarkets.today⁠ Follow us on Twitter⁠ ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠⁠ 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Aziz Musa, the founder of Cush Digital, a leading digital marketing agency in North Africa. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation: 1️⃣ Navigating Challenges in Emerging Countries: Aziz highlighted the difficulties of working in a nascent market like Sudan, from infrastructure issues to talent gaps. It's not an easy feat, but it's fascinating to hear how businesses like Cush Digital are overcoming these obstacles and thriving in such environments. 2️⃣ The Power of Adaptability: Aziz's journey to Egypt was unexpected, driven by the war in Sudan. This highlights the importance of adaptability in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Aziz's ability to pivot and make the best of the situation is truly inspiring. 3️⃣ North Africa's Untapped Potential: While sub-Saharan Africa often takes the spotlight, Aziz shed light on the opportunities and potential in North Africa. He emphasized the importance of exploring and understanding this region's unique market dynamics and consumer behavior for businesses looking to expand their presence. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Check out emergingmarkets.today Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

In this episode, I chat with Paul Breloff, co-founder of Shortlist, about the pivotal role of human capital in Africa's economic trajectory. Shortlist provides executive search services and work force development for leading startups and impact organizations in Africa. Here's a snapshot of our conversation: 1️⃣ The Power of People: While big ideas capture attention, it's the individuals behind them that truly make a difference. Discover how Shortlist is addressing the challenges of finding and developing the right talent in Africa. 2️⃣ Why Africa? Paul's journey from a small town in Western New York to working extensively in India and Africa offers a unique perspective on the booming startup and innovation economy in the continent. 3️⃣ Challenges & Opportunities: From data problems to experience gaps, Paul discusses the unique talent dynamics in Africa. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on approaches and the need for on-the-job training for young professionals. 4️⃣ Impact Organizations: Learn about businesses that address significant social problems while working with markets. Paul shares his experiences with companies that focus on renewable power, green growth, and more. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Check out emergingmarkets.today Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

This episode is all about innovation in Latin America! We're chatting about the new and exciting businesses in Latin America through the lens of venture capital, so I invited Daniel Lloreda and he is a managing partner at H20 capital, a early-stage venture capital fund with operations in Miami, Mexico & Colombia. We talked about innovative startups you might not have heard of - what I like to call "unsexy businesses" - those that don't get the big headlines on TechCrunch but are solving real life problems with truly innovative solutions. Also, why businesses are choosing countries closer to the US more specifically Latin America and and why expats from Latin America choose to start their companies in the US. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Check out emergingmarkets.today Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

In this episode, we dive into the world of FinTech in emerging markets and discuss some key insights with our special guest, Sherry Jiang, co-founder and CEO of Bluejay Finance,  a FinTech company that provides financial services to underbanked populations in Asia. Here are three major takeaways from our conversation: 1️⃣ Moving from Cash to Digital Payments: One of the most fascinating topics we explored was how emerging economies are transitioning from cash-based transactions to digital payments. Sherry shared some incredible insights on how FinTech companies like Bluejay Finance are revolutionizing the financial landscape in Asia by providing financial services to underbanked populations. The potential for growth and financial inclusion in these markets is truly remarkable!  2️⃣ Bridging the Gender Gap: We also discussed the gender gap in financial inclusion and how it affects the adoption of digital payment solutions. Sherry highlighted the importance of creating a sense of belonging and connection with the brand. She mentioned that the presence of predominantly male figures in digital payment advertising can make it seem like a techie product, alienating women and hindering their confidence to try it out. It's crucial for FinTech companies to bridge this gap and make their services more inclusive and accessible to all.  3️⃣ The Future of FinTech in Emerging Markets: Sherry shared her excitement about the future of FinTech in emerging markets. She emphasized the opportunities for innovation and the ability to bypass traditional distribution channels. With the rise of platforms like Bluejay Finance, investors and companies can connect directly, fostering a more resourceful and efficient financial ecosystem. If you want to learn more about these topics and gain valuable insights from Sherry, make sure to tune in to the full episode on Emerging Markets Today! You can find it on your favorite podcast platform or visit our website.  And don't forget to connect with Sherry on LinkedIn! She's always interested in building her community and sharing her expertise.  Thank you all for your continued support, and a big shoutout to Sherry for joining us on the show. Remember, the future of FinTech is bright, and we're excited to be a part of this incredible journey!  Don’t forget to follow / subscribe to his podcast for the upcoming episodes and visit the site ⁠www.emergingmarkets.today⁠ Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

This episode is all about the world of agribusiness in Africa and the unique challenges faced by small and medium enterprises in emerging markets. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shalom Ben Or, the co-founder and CEO of Avenews, a financial super app for the 2.5 million agribusinesses in Africa. Based in Israel with operations in Kenya, Shalom shared some fascinating insights that left me with three major takeaways: 1️⃣ Agriculture is a powerhouse in Africa: Did you know that agriculture is one of the biggest industries on the continent, employing a majority of the population? With a conservative estimate of 2.5 million agribusinesses in sub-Saharan Africa alone, there is immense potential for growth and innovation in this sector. 2️⃣ FinTech and agribusiness are a match made in heaven: Shalom highlighted the intersection of FinTech and emerging markets, specifically in the context of agribusiness. He emphasized that FinTech solutions, especially those catering to businesses (B2B FinTechs), are the future of Africa. This presents a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike to leverage technology for financial inclusion and economic development. 3️⃣ Africa is the catalyst for the future: Shalom and his team at Avenews firmly believe that Africa holds the key to unlocking immense opportunities. Through their work with Techstars and Barclays, they have embedded themselves into the African market and witnessed firsthand the potential it holds. As the continent continues to embrace technology and innovation, the future looks incredibly bright. Don’t forget to follow / subscribe to his podcast for the upcoming episodes and visit the site www.emergingmarkets.today Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/apicasso. Follow us on Twitter ⁠@todayemerging⁠ 

From unbanked to crypto users, this episode we talked about the thriving financial sector of Brazil! 🇧🇷💰 I had the pleasure of speaking with Aaron Stanley, the founder of the Brazil Crypto Report. We explored the fintech scene, the cryptocurrency sector, and even Brazil's new digital currency (CBDC), the Real Digital. Here are a couple of key takeaways from our conversation: Fintech and Cryptocurrency Boom in Brazil: Aaron shared fascinating insights into the rapid growth of the fintech and cryptocurrency industries in Brazil. With a dynamic ecosystem and a strong focus on innovation, Brazil is becoming a hotspot for entrepreneurs and investors alike. High-Level Use Cases: One interesting trend discussed was the shift towards higher-level use cases in Brazil's cryptocurrency space. As the payments use case becomes more established, entrepreneurs are now exploring asset tokenization and other innovative applications. This opens up exciting opportunities for investors and developers in the country. The Real Digital: The pilot project for the digital real kicked off in June and is expected to last for 18 months. This ambitious project sets Brazil apart as one of the most innovative countries in the development of CBDCs. The design of the digital real, with its focus on tokenization and wholesale use, adds value to the economy and has the potential to transform the entire financial system. If you're curious to learn more about Brazil's financial sector and the cryptocurrency scene, make sure to tune in to this episode. You can find it on all podcast platforms and don't forget to subscribe to Aaron's newsletter the Brazil Crypto Report on Substack! =========== Don't forget to visit the Emerging Markets Today website. Let's keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Paypal or Cryptocurrencies using this link https://ko-fi.com/apicasso. Follow us on Twitter ⁠@todayemerging⁠  And follow me on Twitter ⁠@a_picasso #BrazilFinance #Cryptocurrency #Fintech #BrazilCryptoReport

This episode is all about financial inclusion, from payment insfractrures to digital wallets and the token economy. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Emmanuel Daniel, a global thought leader in the future of finance and the founder of the research company, The Asian Banker. Emmanuel is also the author of the book, "The Great Transition - the Personalization of Finance is Here", which we discuss in detail during the episode. Here are my three takeaways from the conversation: - Financial inclusion is not as benevolent as it seems: Emmanuel challenges the idea that financial inclusion is always a good thing. He argues that as long as we think of financial services as something that needs to be put on platforms and monetized, the whole idea of financial inclusion will remain flawed. - The future of finance is personalization: Emmanuel's book explores the idea that the operating principle of the platform industry is starting to change, and people have more control over what they do. He argues that the future of finance is personalization, where individuals have more control over their financial lives. - The token economy is changing the game. The use of tokens in exchange for products and services is becoming more widespread, and this trend is only going to continue. Emmanuel provides valuable insights into how this will impact the financial industry. Follow Emmanuel Daniel: Twitter - https://twitter.com/EmmanuelDaniel Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/emmanueldanielasianbanker Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/edanielmoments/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-daniel-5764482/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAVolSuHiFGFnEbnLpuS5kg/videos =========== Don't forget to visit the Emerging Markets Today website. Let's keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Paypal or Cryptocurrencies using this link https://ko-fi.com/apicasso. Follow us on Twitter @todayemerging  And follow me on Twitter @a_picasso

In this episode is about on of the best tech innovation examples in emerging markets I've come across in the last few years. Did you know that malaria kills over 400,000 people per year globally? This is an encore episode about how a project in Uganda is reaching underserved areas where testing for malaria can be challenging and having the diagnosis early can be a matter of life or death. So I invited not one but 3 guests to talk about the project. In the first part of the episode I spoke to Professor Jon Cooper and Julien Reboud from the Bioengineering school at the University of Glasgow - we talked about how the project came about - the technology behind the testing - cleverly named origami testing because it is based on folded sheets of waxed paper. Also, how smartphones are used as a power source providing electricity to process the test. You can see the test in action in this link.  In the second part, I spoke to Lito Michala, Lecturer at the University of Glasgow in the school of computing science focused on IoT. We talked about why they chose the blockchain technology to store and share the data of the malaria test results. It was a very interesting chat and worth a listen, even if you are not too familiar with what the blockchain technology is. A big thanks to the guys of news site The Conversation where I read about the project for the first time. They have very interesting content about global issues and a podcast called The Conversation weekly. Also, I strongly recommend that you read about the project in this link. =========== Don't forget to visit the Emerging Markets Today website. Let's keep EMT ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Paypal or Cryptocurrencies directly on the site or using this link https://ko-fi.com/apicasso. Follow us on Twitter @todayemerging  And follow me on Twitter @a_picasso

This episode is all about challenges and opportunities in healthcare in emerging markets! In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sylvana Q. Sinha, founder and CEO of Praava Health, Bangladesh’s fastest growing healthcare brand. Sylvana explained me the healthcare sector in Bangladesh, its challenges and opportunities for private healthcare startups. The major challenges in the sector include maintaining quality standards and providing access to quality diagnostic testing. As a solution to the quality gap, Sylvana founded Praava Health to provide high-quality outpatient healthcare that incorporates primary care, secondary care, lab and imaging diagnostics, and pharmacy services. It was interesting to learn about the innovative approach that Praava Health is taking to address the challenges in the healthcare sector in Bangladesh. We also discussed the challenges of raising capital in emerging markets, particularly for women-founded businesses. It was insightful to hear Sylvana's perspective on this issue, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare sector in emerging markets - and I think you will do too! ============= Don't forget to check out ⁠emergingmarkets.today⁠ You can support our ad-free podcast and site by making a donation to help us bring you more valuable insights and perspectives on emerging markets. Any amount helps. Follow this link to buy me a coffee: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Follow us on Twitter⁠ ⁠⁠@todayemerging ⁠ And follow me Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter ⁠@a_picasso

This episode is all about coffee, sustainability and innovation in Colombia! I had the pleasure of interviewing Cole Shephard, the founder of The Green Coffee Company, the largest coffee production company in Colombia with a focus on sustainable coffee production. We had a fascinating conversation about Colombia's coffee production, innovation, and sustainability, and compared it to Brazil's coffee production. Cole shared his insights on the differences between the two countries' coffee production models, the history of coffee production in Colombia, and the business models of the coffee industry in both countries. But that's not all - we also discussed how The Green Coffee Company is leading the way in sustainable coffee production. Cole explained their focus on sustainability, which includes prioritizing human capital and circular economy. It was inspiring to learn how they're making a positive impact on the environment and the community through their practices. ========================= Don't forget to check out emergingmarkets.today You can support our ad-free podcast and site by making a donation to help us bring you more valuable insights and perspectives on emerging markets. Any amount helps. Follow this link to buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/apicasso. Follow us on Twitter @todayemerging  And follow me Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter @a_picasso

*This is episode is not investiment advice* This episode is about 2 of the most underrated investment sectors in Africa: Education Technology (Ed Tech) and Property Technology (Prop Tech). I had the pleasure of chatting with Ijeoma Ejimadu, an MBA student at Columbia Business School. She is also the founder of Ivery Arie, a NGO providing African women with the mentorship, resources, and education they need to thrive as entrepreneurs. We discussed the massive potential of Ed Tech in Africa, highlighting companies like Nigerian Andela. Then we moved onto Prop Tech, discussing how it has the potential to transform the property market in Africa, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth. Ijeoma also shared her journey and work with Ivery Arie, which was inspiring. She's passionate about empowering African women and creating a better future for everyone. So, if you want to know more about these exciting investment sectors and IJoma's inspiring story, head on over and listen to the full episode now! Ijeoma's Medium articles: Africa’s Most Overlooked Investment Sectors: Education Africa’s Most Overlooked Investment Sectors: PropTech Follow Ijeoma on Twitter here. Don't forget to check out emergingmarkets.today You can support our ad-free podcast and site by making a donation to help us bring you more valuable insights and perspectives on emerging markets. Any amount helps. Follow this link to make a donation and help us keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: https://ko-fi.com/apicasso. Follow us on Twitter @todayemerging  And follow me Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter @a_picasso

This is (almost) a totally AI powered episode! I asked few questions to ChatGPT, a language model trained by OpenAI, and let me tell you, this AI expert knows all about emerging markets! The text is straight from ChatGPT and the voice you will hear is from Play.ht, another AI powered tool. Here are the questions I asked: What criteria must a country meet to be considered an emerging market? Has the definition of an emerging market changed since the term was first used in reference to the BRICS countries? Can you share a surprising fact about emerging markets? Can you give examples of technological innovations in emerging markets? What is your opinion on the trend of fintech startups "banking the unbanked"? Can you explain China's investment in Africa in more detail Can you suggest countries or regions to watch in the near future that are not part of the BRICS group? Don't forget to check out emergingmarkets.today You can support our ad-free podcast and site by making a donation to help us bring you more valuable insights and perspectives on emerging markets. Any amount helps. Follow this link to make a donation and help us keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: https://ko-fi.com/apicasso. Follow us on Twitter @todayemerging  And follow me Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter @a_picasso

This episode is all about discovering tech talent in Central America! I sat down with Charles Fry, the founder of Code Exitos, a digital product studio based in Austin, Texas with design studios in Honduras. Charles has first hand experience in discovering and utilizing tech talent in Central America.  We talked about the potential of tech professionals in Central America and the benefits of utilizing their skills. We focused on the current development hubs in Costa Rica and Honduras and discussed the reasons for outsourcing tech development to Central America, as well as the potential challenges such as language barriers and the benefits of the same timezone as the US.  It was a great conversation, and I know you'll learn a lot from it. Don't forget to check out emergingmarkets.today You can support our ad-free podcast and site by making a donation to help us bring you more valuable insights and perspectives on emerging markets. Any amount helps. Follow this link to make a donation and help us keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: https://ko-fi.com/apicasso. Follow us on Twitter @todayemerging  And follow me Ana Paula Picasso on Twitter @a_picasso