In February 2007 Vodafone launched a new service that will provide secure, low-cost financial services using mobile networks in emerging markets.

 Social Business and Social enterprise examples from around the world - Divine Chocolate.Bringing together cocoa farmers in Ghana to consumers in Europe and North America in an effort to promote healthy, sustainable, fair and value based enterprise, Divine is definitely a force for good.

While companies and consumers are becoming more aware of their social responsibilities, South Africa still faces huge, un-met challenges. And although philanthropy plays a vital role in the development of communities, is not enough to bring an end to poverty. GreaterGood South Africa, through its SA Social Investment Exchange (SASIX), is pioneering new ways of giving people and communities access to the capital they need to lift themselves out of poverty.

It has become imperative for business to demonstrate greater social participation and create value in the communities where they operate. But the growing availability of corporate capital for social development has not necessarily resulted in funds finding an effective home. Money often flows to the best-known development programmes or is directed through governments or aid agencies with their own development agendas. This leaves under-developed and under-resourced initiatives, working on the ground to effect change, without access to capital markets. And while corporate philanthropy plays a vital role in the development of communities, is not enough to lift people out of poverty and address South Africa’s historic imbalances. The SA Social Investment Exchange (SASIX) is an innovative platform providing a range of high-impact social investment opportunities from grants to financial investments in responsible initiatives that offer market-related financial returns. This, together...

84% believe business should help address global issues. So why, then, are some companies still being slow to respond? And how can their finance teams help them to get to grips with this agenda? A global survey by CIMA and the Institute of Business Ethics looks at how companies are managing their ethical performance and explores the finance function’s potential contribution.