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The SIMM project can be envisioned as ‘An ‘Ebay' for Africa' powered by mobile phone technology. In proper context it integrates three objectives: First it will connect African micro-entrepreneur/businesses to African buyers/consumers worldwide through a SIMM Marketplace which has a virtual face similar to Ebay, but which would be accessed mainly by phone. This will significantly enhance market accessibility, competitive marketing, bargaining and economic growth. Female microfinance entrepreneurs can access the SIMM marketplace via SMS/MMS/phone to list or delist their products, or ask for info: current market prices and expert advice. The Entrepreneur will receive an SMS once their product is sold, with info on pick-up and delivery. Buyers can access the SIMM marketplace for available products, pricing, location and instant purchasing, bidding or bargaining. In the long term, they can also request delivery. Secondly, SIMM will connect micro-entrepreneurs to potential lenders/investors through the SIMM marketplace. Lenders worldwide, and especially from the African Diaspora, can connect to their sending communities watch a micro-entrepreneur MMS video and lend money to a female entrepreneur of their choice through the SIMM Marketplace. This will significantly enhance microfinance. Third, SIMM will inform: provide latest market info, prices and expert business tips to micro-entrepreneurs and subscribed businesses, consumers, as well as provide local development news to the African Diaspora (lenders) from their sending communities through the SIMM Marketplace. The latter service will enhance sustainable engagement with African Diaspora groups and goodwill non-Africans interested in a specific African country, and enhance their potential participation in sustainable development in Africa. Meanwhile info and tips would help reduce price dispersion and waste and increase an entrepreneur profits and consumer welfare. SIMM will initially focus on Cameroon with Microfinance support by the Diaspora and goodwill non-Africans mainly from the United States during the first year. The SIMM model would then be gradually extended to other African countries. In line with USAID's priorities in Africa, SIMM will significantly enhance sustainable economic growth in Africa, and facilitate the realization of two UN Millennium development goals: End poverty and empower women.
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