News

Clara’s story: How Oikocredit partner Génesis Empresarial helps Guatemalans launch successful businesses

GEN-GT-066.jpg30 October 2024 With EUR 9.6 million in funding from Oikocredit, Génesis Empresarial gives lower-income people in rural Guatemala the financing and tools they need to become entrepreneurs full story

USD 4 million loan for off-grid fridges to expand vaccine access and food security in Africa

surechill_logo.jpg24 October 2024 New Oikocredit-Triodos Investment Management credit facility supports SureChill’s innovative cooling technology, helping businesses and healthcare facilities in Africa keep their products cool without the need for constant electricity full story

Cooperatives, quality and climate resilience: insights from Oikocredit Journeys’ Peru trip

21 October 2024 Over the course of September, we travelled with coffee expert Gerardo Alarcón Cubas from Oikocredit’s Peruvian partner Sol y Café to meet with Oikocredit investors in Europe. It's a good moment to reflect on our recent Oikocredit Journey to Peru. The trip provided us with a new appreciation of how farmers are tackling the complex factors affecting our morning brew. full story

Maanaveeya: Two decades of financial inclusion and impactful investment

SPAN-IN-006.jpg10 October 2024 Oikocredit’s India subsidiary has helped improve millions of lives, creating opportunities where they are needed most. full story

Promoting responsible artisanal fisheries in Guatemala

Employees of Coastal Catch's (Tunart)07 October 2024 Oikocredit worked with the international NGO Future of Fish to assess a potential social enterprise partner in Guatemala, Coastal Catch, regarding its fishing practices and controls. The outcome was positive, and Oikocredit has made a five-year loan to Coastal Catch. In this article, Future of Fish takes up the story, featuring interviews with Oikocredit Investment Officer Daniel Amézquita, Future of Fish Executive Director Peter Battisti, and Coastal Catch Founder and General Manager José Miguel Quezada. full story

Change to Oikocredit’s Managing Board

Gwen-van-Berne.jpg07 October 2024 Gwen van Berne, Director of Finance & Risk, will be leaving Oikocredit to pursue a new career opportunity. full story

Bridging gaps, creating change: Interview with Owais Shafiq of Aqua for All

Aqua-for-All-logo-high-res-scaled.jpg01 October 2024 As Oikocredit’s partnership with international foundation Aqua for All enters its third year, Owais Shafiq, Aqua for All’s Senior Impact Finance Officer, talks about our partnership, its achievements and the outlook for the coming years. full story

Impact Report 2024: Oikocredit partners support financial inclusion for 53 million people

IR2024 eng cover.jpg17 September 2024 The report reveals the work of Oikocredit’s partners: 89% of agriculture partners offer environmental awareness training, our renewable energy portfolio offset 422,564 tonnes of CO2 emissions. full story

Oikocredit completes sale of shares in Paraguay’s Aseguradora Tajy

Aseguradora Tajy logo.png03 September 2024 Oikocredit has sold its equity stake in Aseguradora Tajy Propiedad Cooperativa (Tajy), a pioneer in Paraguay’s microinsurance sector full story

Q2 2024 quarterly report: Positives and challenges

IDFF-IN-039.jpg27 August 2024 Four times a year Oikocredit publishes key facts and figures on the previous quarter. Here we provide our investors and others with additional background context on developments during the second quarter of 2024. full story

Affordable homes and stronger communities for 16,157 families in El Salvador

habitat.png20 August 2024 With small loans to help families build or renovate their houses over time, Oikocredit partner Hábitat para la Humanidad El Salvador is embedding resilience at the community level in Central America. full story

New agreement aims to expand funds for farmers

Picture1.png13 August 2024 Oikocredit and the IDH Farmfit Fund are aligning their approaches to reduce the financing gap for smallholders. full story

USD 2 million to help Brazilian SMEs scale up

Ailos Visit photo 2.jpeg08 August 2024 Oikocredit’s new partnership with Ailos will enable two social impact organisations to strengthen their portfolios full story

How a new tool improved financial opportunities for West Africa’s cashew sector

ANAT-BF-03.jpg01 August 2024 Oikocredit and the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) have successfully piloted a business monitoring tool to improve financing opportunities for cashew processing companies full story

More children in class by improving affordable schools

Opportunity Intern.png31 July 2024 Update: How Oikocredit and Opportunity International are increasing access to capital for schools in underserved regions across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. full story

Oikocredit announces new water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) collaboration with Water.org

logo water.org.jpg02 July 2024 Strategic partnership will address challenges in WASH service provision at community level, initially in Latin America. full story

New Oikocredit partner fills SMEs’ capital needs in Indonesia

Batumbu team.JPG27 June 2024 Loan of EUR 2.4 million to Validus and subsidiary Batumbu expands financial inclusion with affordable, tailored financial services full story

Sidian Bank, Aqua for All and Oikocredit launch facility to support access to WASH services in Kenya

Logo Sidian Bank.png26 June 2024 Partnership invests EUR 7.4 million for water, sanitation and hygiene projects with emphasis on climate resilience and gender inclusivity. full story

Oikocredit and NGOs Continue NCP-Mediated Dialogue

2a2129b9-6360-41df-8567-2c225bf3ea9b.png21 June 2024 On 18-19 June 2024, representatives of social impact investor Oikocredit held a dialogue session with three non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO), Equitable Cambodia and FIAN Germany. full story

How Oikocredit partner PAI cultivates quality and equity in Argentine agriculture

PAI-AR-25 (1).jpg19 June 2024 The agricultural consortium PAI, an Oikocredit partner since 2015, promotes sustainable agriculture in Argentina through fair-trade farming, strategic partnerships and innovative investments. full story

Oikocredit Holds 48th Annual General Meeting

Annual General Meeting.png13 June 2024 On 7 June 2024, Oikocredit held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in San José, Costa Rica, with members and others joining and participating through a web-based conferencing and electronic voting system. full story

Oikocredit announces € 9.3 million loan to AfricInvest Private Credit to support SMEs in Africa

APC Oikocredit deal celebration1.jpg12 June 2024 Strategic move and new partnership will boost economic empowerment across the continent. full story

Oikocredit Live: The Future of Cocoa – Is Sustainable Chocolate Possible?

NORAN-PE-09.jpg11 June 2024 An online event on 26 June, 18:45-20:00 CEST. full story

Farmerline puts technology to work for African farmers

farmerline photo.jpg10 June 2024 Oikocredit partner Farmerline provides a comprehensive range of services for African smallholders, from agricultural and pricing inputs to logistical and field support, as well as access to markets. full story

Oikocredit partners with biochar producer NetZero to scale operations in Brazil

logoNetzero.png04 June 2024 US$ 2.5 million investment is Oikocredit’s first in carbon sequestration in the agricultural value chain. full story

Q1 2024 quarterly report: Development financing portfolio passes new threshold

WEZ-BJ-022.jpg27 May 2024 Four times a year Oikocredit publishes key facts and figures on the previous quarter. Here we provide our investors and others with additional background context on developments during the first quarter of 2024. full story

Caravela and Oikocredit: working together for sustainable and inclusive coffee

CARA-UK-093 (1).jpg21 May 2024 Caravela is emerging as a beacon of innovation and progress in the coffee industry. In partnership with Oikocredit, the organisation is committed to education, gender equality and sustainability, shaping a better future for farming communities in Colombia and Ecuador. full story

Leadership change for Strategy & Sustainable Impact team

Ging_1592_webversion.jpg15 May 2024 The leadership of Oikocredit’s Strategy & Sustainable Impact team is transitioning. Effective 1 June 2024, Ging Ledesma will transition from her role as Director of Strategy & Sustainable Impact ... full story

Oikocredit’s € 5 million loan to Ocean SA boosts cocoa and cashew value chains in Côte d'Ivoire

logo Cocoasource.jpg08 May 2024 Renewed investment increases support for sustainable agriculture and for 12,000 Ivorian smallholder cocoa and cashew farmers. full story

Non-EU bank fees and minor adjustments: Oikocredit modifies Participation Terms

02 May 2024 Oikocredit is modifying the terms and conditions that govern investments made in the cooperative by purchasing and holding participations. The changes will come into effect on 1 June 2024. The updated terms apply to existing participations as well as issuance requests for participations submitted in May 2024. full story

New Oikocredit partnership with cooperative Atuntaqui provides uplift for microfinance and affordable housing in Ecuador

Atuntaqui logo.jpg26 April 2024 Four-year US$ 8 million in credit will support expansion of microcredit and housing loans for thousands of cooperative members. full story

Oikocredit to Enhance Impact in Southeast Asia with Strategic Operational Shifts

KOM-ID-51 (1).jpg24 April 2024 As part of our commitment to driving sustainable development, Oikocredit is strategically realigning its operations to deepen its impact in Southeast Asia. The focus is on being closer to our partners in Cambodia and Indonesia and exploring expansion into an additional market country within the region. full story

Oikocredit € 4 million loan to TAN Mondial will benefit Côte d’Ivoire cocoa and cashew cooperatives

NORAN-PE-09.jpg22 April 2024 Investment will support the work of almost 3,000 smallholder farmers in Côte d’Ivoire. full story

Oikocredit Co-Leads a US$ 39 Million Investment in Altum Credo to Promote Affordable Housing Finance

Altum-Trademark.jpg18 April 2024 Oikocredit alongside Z3 Partners and with the participation of British International Investment has led a US$ 39 million equity investment in Altum Credo to bolster affordable housing finance in India. full story

Results for 2023: Oikocredit ambitious to achieve more

CARA-UK-077 (1).jpg10 April 2024 Oikocredit has published its Annual Report and financial statements for 2023 – a year of successful transitions, portfolio growth, social impact and a positive financial result. full story

Oikocredit invests US$ 5 million in Ghana’s Zeepay to improve financial inclusion for migrant workers

logoZeepay.png09 April 2024 New equity financing agreement aims to help African fintech expand operations to 10 countries within the next two years. full story

Q4 2023 quarterly report: Portfolio growth and other key achievements

CARA-UK-077 (1).jpg09 April 2024 Four times a year Oikocredit publishes key facts and figures on the previous quarter. Here we provide our investors and others with additional background context on developments during the fourth quarter of 2023. full story

Oikocredit supports GABV’s Statement of Peace

8D9F0C1F-D90F-4A58-87A2-D0B68F7E9D78.JPEG03 April 2024 In line with its ecumenical roots, Oikocredit remains committed to supporting a just and peaceful world where resources are shared sustainably and all people are empowered with the choices they need to create a life of dignity. full story

Oikocredit's new partnership with Patagonian Fruits supports Argentina’s fruit sector and builds climate resilience

Patagonian logo.jpg31 March 2024 Social impact investor Oikocredit is providing € 6 million in long-term financing to Patagonian Fruits in Argentina to support fruit purchases from farmers, boost production, invest in protective ... full story

Oikocredit and GAWA Capital provide equity finance for new generation microfinance company Sindhuja Microcredit

Logo Sindhuja.jpg28 March 2024 Oikocredit’s new equity investment deepens collaboration with Indian fintech partner to serve financially excluded rural people and enterprises. Worldwide cooperative and social impact investor ... full story

Oikocredit renews support to Leasafric Ghana with funding of GHS 10 million

LEASAFRIC logo25 March 2024 Oikocredit’s new term loan will boost Leasafric’s work with farmers in northern Ghana and its support for ride-hailing enterprise partners. Worldwide cooperative and social impact investor has ... full story

Empowering women creates an equitable and just world

Fin’Elle21 March 2024 Women are at the heart of our communities, yet they continue to face a broad range of economic and social barriers. They have fewer opportunities for economic participation than men, lower access ... full story

Strong common ground and commitment to further steps in NCP dialogue relating to microfinance loans in Cambodia

19 March 2024 On 13-15 March 2024, representatives of social impact investor Oikocredit, Ecumenical Development Cooperative Society U.A. and of three human rights NGOs, Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO), Equitable Cambodia and FIAN Germany, came together for a dialogue. This was part of the process related to the submission made by the three NGOs to the Dutch OECD National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct concerning the alleged negative impacts of some microfinance loans on Cambodian borrowers. full story

Oikocredit publishes latest Client Self-Perception Survey report after listening to more than 40,966 clients

EDV-ID-09.jpg11 March 2024 Digital collaboration with 34 partner organisations reveals changes end-clients have experienced over past 12 months. full story

Bridging the micro credit gap for Costa Rica’s women entrepreneurs

GRAM-CR-008.jpg08 March 2024 On International Women’s Day, we profile the work of Asociación Grameen Costa Rica, an Oikocredit partner that is helping bridge the gender credit gap. full story

🌐 Oikocredit Live: Unlocking Social Equity Through Financial Inclusion

IMG_8499.JPG29 February 2024 An online event on 14 March 2024, 18-19:15 CET.
Join us for an insightful event delving into financial inclusion as a tool for fostering greater social equity. In this online session, we'll explore a holistic approach to financial inclusion, addressing gender issues, the importance of capacity building, and the remarkable work of our partner, Mujeres en Desarrollo Dominicana (Mude), in the Dominican Republic. full story

Oikocredit leads US$ 10 million equity-and-debt seed funding for Mexican fintech YoFio

YoFio logo26 February 2024 New investment in YoFio’s digital financial services platform will support growth of inclusive finance in Mexico. full story

What are the benefits of listening to impact investment clients?

ECS image07 February 2024 In anticipation of Oikocredit’s annual Client Self-Perception Survey Programme report, a look at how the initiative enables partners to improve services in response to changes in clients’ lives. full story

What can you learn from our new Ethics & Euros podcast?

1706796158691.jpg06 February 2024 Changing one woman’s life improves outcomes for her entire community, Finca Peru’s Iris Lanao tells Ethics & Euros podcast host Karen Zwissler. Tune in to find out more. full story

Oikocredit’s € 2.1 million loan to Sofipa to benefit women in rural Mexico

Logo Sofipa.jpg30 January 2024 New partnership agreement serves micro business in Oaxaca and Guerrero; supports women in underdeveloped rural locations. full story

Blog: The leapfrogging elephant : What India’s digital revolution means for Oikocredit and its partners

Picture3 study tour.jpg24 January 2024 India’s three-part strategy to grow financial and social inclusion enables microfinance institutions to serve clients quicker, with less risks. It’s digital transformation in action, says Ulrike Haug. full story

US$ 5 million to improve livelihoods and food security in Kenya

_H8A2804.jpg09 January 2024 New Oikocredit loan will enable Juhudi Kilimo to offer affordable and accessible financing to customers in rural and periurban areas full story

How our cooperative navigated change in 2023 gives me confidence for 2024

Mirjam 't Lam.jpg02 January 2024 A New Year’s message from Oikocredit Managing Director Mirjam ‘t Lam full story

Oikocredit’s Top 5: our most-read stories of the year

thought-catalog-mmWqrsjZ4Lw-unsplash.jpg22 December 2023 As 2023 draws to a close, we look at the top stories that have attracted the most reader interest. full story

Dutch government pledges € 8 million for data-driven agricultural support in emerging economies

AgriGRADE119 December 2023 Funding for AgriGRADE concept, developed by Oikocredit and others, aims to make cooperatives and agricultural organisations more attractive to farmers and investors. full story

Fostering job creation at SMEs in Baja California

PROCAP logo.jpg18 December 2023 Oikocredit is providing Mexican social enterprise Procap with a loan of
€ 1.07 million so small and medium enterprises can have access to funds full story

Oikocredit supports Ugandan SMEs with funding of € 7.5 million

logo Brac.png14 December 2023 New partnership with Brac Uganda Bank Ltd will help trade, agriculture and transport sectors across the African nation full story

Oikocredit Live: The Evolution and Impact of Microfinance

PROMU-ARG-49.jpg12 December 2023 Exploring the transformative potential of inclusive finance, last month’s Oikocredit Live event brought together experts to shine light on microfinance’s nuances and its far-reaching impact. full story

How Oikocredit partner Weziza is improving access to electricity in Benin

benin-weziza-oiko-lissac11.jpg07 December 2023 Status check: Two and a half years after Oikocredit invested in the off-grid enterprise Weziza, we look at how better access to electricity is supporting economic development in West Africa. New mini-grids have created a positive impact for more than 2,500 households and 15,000 people. full story

Q3 2023 quarterly report: Creating more impact despite headwinds

MBK-ID-44 (5).jpg28 November 2023 Four times a year Oikocredit publishes key facts and figures on the previous quarter. Here we provide our investors and others with additional background context on developments during the third quarter of 2023. full story

Oikocredit invests € 7.5 million in Vista Bank Burkina to support SMEs and educational finance in Africa

logo.gif22 November 2023 Oikocredit is providing a loan of € 7.5 million to support the growth initiatives of Vista Bank Burkina in Burkina Faso. This substantial investment is strategically aimed at fortifying financial ... full story

Oikocredit Live: How Inclusive Finance Works

PROMU-ARG-49-c-Opmeer Reports.jpg20 November 2023 An online event on 23 November 2023 full story

Oikocredit and Aqua for All partnerships to boost community water and sanitation provision in East Africa

water16 November 2023 Joint support for inclusive finance institutions will accelerate low-income Kenyans’ and Ugandans’ access to safe water and sanitation services. full story

Oikocredit, Goodwell Investments and Global Partnerships invest in Good Nature Agro to support southern African smallholder farmers

Good Nature.jpg08 November 2023 Investors commit a combined total of US$ 8.5 million to expand Good Nature Agro’s social impact. full story

Oikocredit invests US$ 2 million in RDG Collective to support solar energy growth in Africa

logo RDG.jpg06 November 2023 RDG Collective will use the loan to provide electricity and mobile connections to thousands more households in Zambia. full story

Oikocredit and Solidaridad sign new partnership to strengthen community development

Solidaridad.jpg31 October 2023 Collaboration aims to amplify partners’ impact by working together for a more equitable and sustainable world. full story

Cresol cooperative’s loan helps Brazilian smallholders Silvio and Ivete replant their coffee farm

Logo Cresol.jpg23 October 2023 One of Oikocredit’s latest partners in Brazil is Cresol União dos Vales (‘Union of Valleys’), a credit cooperative based in the Ivaí River valley region of Paraná state, close to Brazil’s ... full story

Oikocredit seals partnership with Fortune Credit as European Microfinance Award selects Kenyan MFI as finalist

Fortune Credit.jpg05 October 2023 First Oikocredit loan to Fortune Credit coincides with European Microfinance Award’s shortlisting of Kenyan microfinance institution for 2023 prize. full story

USD 26.5 million to bridge energy gaps in sub-Saharan Africa

bill clinton screenshot.png03 October 2023 Oikocredit will invest USD 26.5 million towards renewable energy infrastructure in sub-Saharan African communities over the next four years. The funds will go towards energy generating assets and productive use equipment. full story

How impact investing empowers women: Interview with Oikocredit’s Adama Bah

Adama Bah by GENEVIÈVE CHASSÉ portraits.jpg27 September 2023 As we publish Oikocredit’s 2023 Impact Report, Adama Bah, Social Performance Analyst at Oikocredit, shares her insights on women’s leadership and gender diversity in impact investing. full story

Oikocredit Impact Report 2023 indicates we are making a difference at scale

CID-BO-061 (1).jpg20 September 2023 Most comprehensive impact statement to date reports on UN Sustainable Development Goals, capacity building, carbon footprint and more. full story

Financial inclusion: How does Oikocredit select its partners?

Picture2 news item.jpg14 September 2023 Globally, 1.4 billion adults lack access to basic financial services, with the majority being women. Financial inclusion aims to create opportunities for this group of unbanked individuals. full story

Introducing an update to Oikocredit’s Participation Terms

AGM-2019-17.jpg01 September 2023 Oikocredit is updating the terms and conditions that govern investments to reflect the cooperative's new capital-raising model. The update will come into effect on 1 October 2023. full story

Supporting Peruvian MSEs through digital lending

prestamype logo.png24 August 2023 Oikocredit joins US$ 5 million Pre-Series A round into Peruvian financial technology company (fintech) Prestamype to support micro and small businesses in Peru. full story

Q2 2023 quarterly report: Results holding up in a challenging context

NORTE-PY-72.jpg23 August 2023 Four times a year Oikocredit publishes key facts and figures on the previous quarter. Here we provide our investors and others with additional background context on developments during the second quarter of 2023. full story

Financial inclusion – what is a fair interest rate?

IR article pic 2.jpg17 August 2023 When it comes to microlending to vulnerable communities, the question of interest rates often arises. Are the rates that borrowers pay to the lenders fair? full story

Oikocredit, IDB Invest and Cooperativa Jardín Azuayo announce groundbreaking diversity and inclusion social bond

Event IDB-JardinAzuayo.jpg01 August 2023 Combined US$ 20 million investment will increase the Ecuadorian savings and credit cooperative’s services for women and low-income entrepreneurs. full story

Oikocredit invests in Witti Finances to support financial inclusion in Côte d’Ivoire

witti logo1.png31 July 2023 Oikocredit’s € 3 million loan will enable the Ivorian microfinance institution to expand and enhance its financial services. full story

New Oikocredit loan helps light up about 40,000 homes in Côte d'Ivoire

Baobab_Plus_Logo_FullColour_Transparent_RGB.png27 July 2023 Social enterprise Baobab+ Côte d’Ivoire will expand access to renewable energy and digital products in Africa, with € 1.2 million in new funding from Oikocredit full story

New partnership improves finance for water and sanitation in Cambodia

Chamroeun Microfinance.png18 July 2023 Oikocredit and Aqua for All are partnering to support Chamroeun Microfinance to develop a loan portfolio for private water operators in Cambodia. This blended finance agreement will help increase the much-needed flow of private capital and accelerate access to water and sanitation in Cambodia’s low-income communities. full story

Oikocredit Live: Combatting Climate Change with Sustainable Solutions for Low-Income Communities

3N5A6926 © Burn.jpg10 July 2023 The second edition of the Oikocredit Live event series, held on 13 June 2023, turned the spotlight on the pressing issue of climate change and its profound impact on low-income communities. The event featured two Oikocredit partners: Norandino, a cooperative based in Peru that supports sustainable agriculture, and BURN, a Kenya-based organisation that designs, manufactures, and distributes fuel-efficient cooking products. full story

Oikocredit leads US$ 2.5 million extension funding round for Uruguayan fintech partner Bankingly

bankingly logo.png29 June 2023 This follow-on equity investment reinforces Oikocredit’s commitment to support digital financial services in emerging markets.  Social impact investor Oikocredit has invested US$1.5 million in a ... full story

How impact investing can bridge the MSME funding gap

The Oikocredit Brazil team.jpg27 June 2023 Micro, small and medium enterprises are essential to the global economy, but they can’t access financial services easily. Here we look at their importance and at how Oikocredit and other impact investors are stepping in to address the problem. full story

Oikocredit and Ueno join forces to promote Paraguayan women’s empowerment

Logo 1 Ueno.png22 June 2023 € 4.5 million Oikocredit loan will support women-led micro, small and medium enterprises in Paraguay full story

Oikocredit holds 47th annual general meeting

Annual General Meeting.png16 June 2023 On 9 June 2023, Oikocredit convened its annual general meeting (AGM) in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. Members, member representatives and others joined the meeting in person and virtually from various locations via a virtual conferencing platform and employed an electronic voting mechanism. full story

Unaitas: 30 years of impact investing for success

Logo Unaitas.jfif15 June 2023 Longstanding Oikocredit partner Unaitas has helped more than 5,000 small and medium businesses and over 50,000 individuals in agriculture and other sectors since the coronavirus outbreak. As they celebrate 30 years of impact investing, we celebrate their story. full story

Enhancing our mission: Mirjam 't Lam on the new way to invest

Mirjam 't Lam.jpg12 June 2023 Oikocredit recently introduced a new capital-raising model in most of the countries where it attracts investments. The new model allows any eligible individual or organisation to invest directly in the cooperative. Oikocredit's Managing Director, Mirjam 't Lam, shares her insight on how the cooperative's new capital-raising model came to be. full story

Cultivating Prosperity: Kyazanga Farmers' Cooperative Society Leverages IFIL Loan for Substantial Growth

1589_Number 2.jpg07 June 2023 In the heart of Uganda, a thriving agricultural cooperative not only cultivates maize, beans, and coffee but also reaps a bountiful harvest of success. full story

Q1 2023 quarterly report: A positive start to the year

CAU-SN-070.jpg31 May 2023 Four times a year Oikocredit publishes key facts and figures on the previous quarter. Here we provide our investors and others with additional background context on developments during the first quarter of 2023. full story

Oikocredit Live: Combatting Climate Change.

NORAN-PE-22 © Nicolas Villaume.jpg25 May 2023 An online event with Norandino and BURN on 13 June 2023

Climate change is having a profound impact on agriculture. Smallholder coffee and cocoa farmers face challenges such as droughts, floods, and diseases affecting their crops. What can farmers do to adapt to these changes? And can our partner organisations in the renewable energy sector help mitigate the effects of climate change? full story

Adama Bah: When women lead, business performance improves

Adama Bah by GENEVIÈVE CHASSÉ portraits.jpg23 May 2023 Oikocredit’s work in promoting gender diversity and women’s leadership is in the spotlight. FinDev Gateway, a knowledge platform for the global financial inclusion community, interviewed our Social Performance Analyst Adama Bah recently. full story

Oikocredit updates NAV calculation

22 May 2023 New NAV metric ensures all investor participations are treated equally, regardless of currency. full story

Cafédirect CEO: How Fairtrade creates a better life for farmers and a better cup of coffee for you

_MG_7216.jpg12 May 2023 From bananas and flowers, coffee and wine, to textile and composites, you see the Fairtrade label on a wide range of products today. Buying Fairtrade directly improves farmer’s lives around the world even as volatile prices and climate change threatens their livelihoods, John Steel, CEO of the alternative trading coffee company Cafédirect, told us ahead of World Fairtrade Day this week. full story

Oikocredit invites members to AGM on June 9 in Amersfoort

Annual General Meeting.png09 May 2023 Hybrid Annual General Meeting format for 2023 will support equal participation opportunities for all members. full story

Award-winning Fonkoze brings healthcare and hope to low-income Haitian communities

Fonkoze logo.jpg04 May 2023 Oikocredit’s award-winning Haitian microfinance partner Fonkoze is using its European Microfinance Award prize money to step up its community healthcare services in some of the most isolated parts of rural Haiti. full story

Oikocredit Live: how do digital surveys measure social impact?

Iris Lanao-Executive Director FINCA Perú_©Opmeer Reports_FINCA-PE-19 (1).jpg26 April 2023 In our first Oikocredit Live event, participants learned what Oikocredit and its partner organisations do to improve the effectiveness of social impact in the sector of microfinance. The Executive Director of Finca Perú, Iris Lanao, also shared insights into the work of the microfinance institution. full story

Results for 2022: Oikocredit confident about staying at the forefront of impact investing

AR2022 cover image.png12 April 2023 Oikocredit has today published its Annual Report and financial statements for 2022, reporting on solid financial and social results and other achievements during the year. full story

Q4 2022 quarterly report: Continuing progress

ECO-IN-032.jpg11 April 2023 Four times a year Oikocredit publishes key facts and figures on the previous quarter. Here we provide our investors and others with additional background context on developments during the fourth quarter of 2022. full story

Fusion Microfinance: Giving wings to clients’ dreams

Anirudh_1.jpg06 April 2023 On 15 November 2022, Fusion Microfinance Ltd, a longtime Oikocredit partner, completed an initial public offering (IPO) listing in India. full story

From Outreach to Impact: Oikocredit drives forward positive social impact with Client Self-Perception Survey

Screenshot 2023-04-04 105707.png04 April 2023 Strengthening the end client's voice is a crucial aspect of Oikocredit’s efforts to push the frontiers of social impact. full story

Kenya: ideal conditions for solar installations

Carrying out a routine inspection of the ground-level solar installation at Central University23 March 2023 In early 2022, Oikocredit invested € 5 million in renewable energy company ecoligo, which operates in emerging markets worldwide from its headquarters in Berlin. Oikocredit recently spoke with Claudia Rothe, ecoligo’s Head of Fundraising, about the solar specialists’ work, especially in Kenya. [1] full story

Oikocredit Live: Learning from the Voices of Finca Perú and its Beneficiaries An online event with Finca Perú on 28 March 2023

FINCA-PE-128_©Opmeer Reports.jpg21 March 2023 Are you curious about Oikocredit’s digital end-client survey? Want to learn more about the microfinance institution Finca Perú and its focus on empowering women? full story

How low-income women are creating change in Honduras

Lourdes Valeriano15 March 2023 About 57% of Prisma Honduras’ women clients say their business is the main source of household income. General Manager Lourdes Valeriano explains how the MFI is promoting gender equality in Central America. full story

Oikocredit launches a new capital-raising model

AGM-2019-17.jpg01 March 2023 OIKOCREDIT, Ecumenical Development Cooperative Society U.A. (Oikocredit) has launched its new capital-raising model, which is going to allow any eligible organisations and individuals to invest directly in the cooperative. full story

Oikocredit confirms implementation of new capital-raising model

AGM-2019-17.jpg15 February 2023 OIKOCREDIT, Ecumenical Development Cooperative Society U.A. (Oikocredit) will begin implementing its new capital-raising model on 1 March 2023, which is going to allow any eligible organisations and individuals to invest directly in the cooperative. full story

An Indonesian food entrepreneur’s journey: Sanah’s story

MBK-ID-44.jpg09 February 2023 Indonesia has a vibrant network of women entrepreneurs, but lack of access to working capital can prevent growth and scaling-up. As Valentine’s Day approaches, we celebrate one entrepreneur who has turned Indonesia’s love for krupuk into a thriving business. full story

Oikocredit and Triodos IM provide € 10 million Tier II capital to Bridge Bank Group Côte d’Ivoire

Bridge Bank Logo.jpg06 February 2023 The Ivorian bank, an affiliate of Bridge Group West Africa, finances local small and medium enterprises and supports job creation in the region full story

MyCredit and Oikocredit US$ 2.6 million partnership to fund SMEs in Kenya

Logo MyCredit.jpg02 February 2023 This loan facility from Oikocredit will support Kenyan financial company MyCredit to offer affordable, medium-term financing to local SMEs full story

Oikocredit invests US$ 5 million in Yellow to support solar energy in Africa

Yellow_logo.jpg31 January 2023 Yellow will use Oikocredit loan to provide electricity and mobile connections to more households in Africa full story

Creating more positive change! Interview with Dave Smit

Dave Smit.jpg25 January 2023 In October 2022 Dave Smit joined Oikocredit as Director of Impact Investments. Here he reflects on his first 100 days and the fact that low-income people in developing countries are hit hard by global headwinds. full story

Oikocredit Equity partner Avanti wins prestigious Indian award

Avanti logo.jpg24 January 2023 Oikocredit’s equity partner Avanti Finance has received the coveted Fintech Innovation for Financial Inclusion Award as part of the Inclusive Finance India Awards. full story

Projects in Action with Banco da Familia

Banco da Familia logo1.jpg10 January 2023 Oikocredit works with partners across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean to support low-income communities, create social impact and build resilient and sustainable businesses. We ... full story

Being mindful about adding value and realising impact is essential for Oikocredit’s success

mirjam web.jpg03 January 2023 Oikocredit’s Managing Director, Mirjam ‘t Lam, shares her thoughts as the New Year begins. full story

Creating a sustainable future [video]

Ecozen seasons greetings.jpg21 December 2022 This new video featuring our partner Ecozen is sure to encourage you this holiday season. See how their work in renewable energy and agriculture impacts local farmers in India. full story

Oikocredit sold equity investment in Indian microfinance institution Fusion

Untitled (200 × 200px) (8).png19 December 2022 Oikocredit’s investment has supported Fusion’s successful growth into a microfinance provider to more than 2.9 million mainly rural low-income women. full story

Oikocredit supports smallholder cocoa farmers in Côte Ivoire

FEDCO-GH-036.jpg14 December 2022 Cocoa from the cacao tree is the main ingredient in the world’s chocolate. Cocoa is also crucial to Côte Ivoire’s economy. As the main agricultural crop and export commodity, cocoa sustains about ... full story

Oikocredit and I&P take equity stakes in agro-processor Agroserv in Burkina Faso

Logo Agroserv.jpg07 December 2022 The social-impact company will develop a new processing plant, diversify products, and serve more smallholder farmers and households full story

Microfinance addresses the gap: interview with Brij Mohan

Oikocredit_India_31.jpg05 December 2022 Brij Mohan is the former Executive Director of Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the founding Chair of ACCESS Development Services. full story

Oikocredit looks forward to 2023 with a new capital-raising model

AGM-2019-17.jpg02 December 2022 Oikocredit is planning to introduce its new capital-raising model on 1 March 2023, to allow any eligible organisations and individuals to invest directly in the cooperative. full story

Oikocredit invests US$7 million in Solarise Africa to support affordable solar access for businesses in Africa

Solarise l.png01 December 2022 The investment will support Solarise Africa’s solar and energy efficiency solutions for small and medium enterprises and other commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses. full story

Prioritising impact and maintaining balance: interview with Gwen van Berne

Gwen-van-Berne.jpg28 November 2022 Gwen van Berne joined Oikocredit as Director of Finance & Risk in May 2022. In this interview, she shares a bit about herself, her new role and the cooperative’s latest quarterly financial report. full story

Oikocredit invests in Ivorian fintech Djamo to support its growth and expansion in francophone West Africa

Djamologo.jpg23 November 2022 Oikocredit and other investors will assist the fast-growing fintech in offering affordable financial services to many more financially excluded people. full story

Q3 2022 quarterly report: Moving in the right direction

CRES-BR- (8) (2).jpg21 November 2022 Four times a year Oikocredit publishes key facts and figures on the previous quarter. Here we provide our investors and others with additional background context on developments during the third quarter of 2022. full story

Mobilising investments in water and sanitation | Interview with Josien Sluijs

Josien Sluijs.jpg14 November 2022 Oikocredit has signed a two-year partnership with Aqua for All to mobilise investments in water and sanitation – an area that Oikocredit is exploring as part of its 2022-2026 strategy. We recently sat down with Aqua for All’s Managing Director, Josien Sluijs, to talk about the partnership with the foundation and to understand more about the sector. full story

Oikocredit invests US$ 1,000,000 in Standard Life Organisation to support low-income entrepreneurs in Nigeria

Logo Standard Life.jpg10 November 2022 Three-year term loan will support Nigerian NGO and microfinance institution’s work with low-income women, men and children full story

Aqua for All interviews Oikocredit’s Managing Director on new partnership

aqua for all web asset.png01 November 2022 Oikocredit and Aqua for All joined forces to help increase access to water and sanitation in Asia and Africa. In this interview, Aqua for All sits down with Mirjam 't Lam, Oikocredit's Managing Director, to discuss the new partnership and how it can help impact low-income communities. full story

Oikocredit General Meeting votes for new capital-raising model

AGM-2019-17.jpg31 October 2022 Oikocredit is planning to change its capital-raising model to create a simpler and more direct way for people and organisations to invest in the international cooperative. full story

A better world for women entrepreneurs in Côte d’Ivoire: Marina’s story

FIN-CI-31.jpg12 October 2022 In Côte d’Ivoire, women suffer extremely high levels of discrimination. Whether it’s access to education, healthcare, jobs or financial inclusion, they are constantly faced with inequality issues.... full story

Dave Smit appointed as Director of Impact Investments at Oikocredit

Dave Smit webversion.jpg10 October 2022 Social impact investor Oikocredit has appointed Dave Smit as its Director of Impact Investments, effective 10 October 2022. full story

Farmerline Group reaches Pre-Series A second close with US$ 1.5 million from Oikocredit in funding round worth US$ 14.4 million

Farmerline1.jpg26 September 2022 Oikocredit is delighted to announce an investment of US$ 1.5 million in Farmerline Group, an organisation partnering with agribusinesses and farm associations to support African farmers with ... full story

Rebuilding and rebalancing: Oikocredit publishes Impact Report 2022

IR2022 eng cover.jpg21 September 2022 Oikocredit publishes its Impact Report 2022 full story

Oikocredit to hold Extraordinary General Meeting on 14 October 2022

EGM image small19 September 2022 Oikocredit’s Managing Board and Supervisory Board have announced an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to be held with its cooperative members on Friday, 14 October 2022. There will also be a ... full story

Dave Smit appointed as Director of Impact Investments at Oikocredit

Dave Smit webversion.jpg13 September 2022 Social impact investor Oikocredit has appointed Dave Smit as its Director of Impact Investments, effective 10 October 2022. full story

Caroline Mulwa appointed as Regional Director for Africa

Caroline Mulwa.JPG29 August 2022 Experienced impact investment professional Caroline Mulwa promoted to Regional Director Africa from 16 August 2022. full story

Q2 2022 quarterly report: Mixed outcomes as economic uncertainty persists

CRE-BO-24 (1).jpg23 August 2022 Four times a year Oikocredit publishes key facts and figures on the previous quarter. Here we provide our investors and others with additional background context on developments during the second quarter of 2022. full story

Changing our world view | Why Oikocredit is switching to the Gall-Peters projection map

map snippet.jpg19 August 2022 In this blog, Nina Alff, from Oikocredit Support Association Baden-Württemberg, explains why Oikocredit has decided to switch to the Gall-Peters projection of the world map. full story

Reflecting on 2022: 3 Articles to re-read this Summer

3ArticlesToRe-Read.png10 August 2022 Oikocredit has stayed busy this year. As we continue developing and implementing our 2022 – 2026 strategy under the direction of our recently formed Executive Committee, let us reflect on the progress we made so far. full story

Oikocredit invests € 2.7 million in Africa Negoce Industries to support Benin cashew value chain

Logo ANI.jpg25 July 2022 The loan to the cashew processing company will sustain up to 500 jobs and support the work of 2500 cashew producers in Benin full story

Oikocredit and ElectriFI support off-grid power for low-income Kenyans with Solar Panda

Logo SP.jpg06 July 2022 The new partnership will help sustain in-country growth of clean, safe and affordable domestic electricity. full story

Oikocredit strengthens leadership with new Executive Committee

Executive Team gallery01 July 2022 The new committee comprises existing Managing Board members and newly appointed directors and will oversee implementation of the cooperative’s 2022-2026 strategy full story

Oikocredit supports new coffee platform for impact lenders

Beyco.jfif29 June 2022 Oikocredit is among the first impact lenders active on Beyco, a coffee trading platform based on blockchain technology launched by non-profit organisation Progreso Foundation in 2018. full story

Oikocredit teams up with DFC, Norfund and responsAbility on a financing vehicle investment to ‘impact millions'

d.light logo17 June 2022 The new financing vehicle is the largest off-balance-sheet financing facility of its kind in the industry and will pave the way for d.light to sustainably expand its PayGo operations across Africa. full story

Oikocredit holds 46th annual general meeting

46th AGM asset.png15 June 2022 On 09 June 2022, Oikocredit held its annual general meeting (AGM) in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, with members and others joining and participating through a web-based conferencing and electronic voting system. full story

New Aqua for All and Oikocredit partnership to invest in community water and sanitation

Aqua for All logo PNG.png14 June 2022 Collaboration will develop innovative and affordable financing solutions for water, sanitation and hygiene in Africa and Asia. full story

Cultivating cotton for communities

IVO-CI-13.jpg02 June 2022 The cultivation of cotton by West African communities has brought better infrastructure¹, more job opportunities and is an essential export of the region. But the crop’s greatest contribution is ... full story

Q1 2022 quarterly report: International events influence results

Ivoire Coton.jpg30 May 2022 Four times a year Oikocredit publishes key facts and figures on the previous quarter. Here we provide our investors and others with additional background context on developments during the first quarter of 2022. full story

Oikocredit invites members to Annual General Meeting in June

AGM45thSocialMediaAsset.PNG16 May 2022 Every year in June, Oikocredit holds its Annual General Meeting (AGM). This year it will be held as a hybrid meeting in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, on 9 June 2022. full story

Celebrating 15 years with Oikocredit: interview with Caroline Mulwa

Caroline Mulwa1 - SMALLVERSION.jpg11 May 2022 Caroline Mulwa, Oikocredit’s Investments Manager East Africa, celebrates 15 years with our cooperative this year. We took the opportunity to ask Caroline about her experience of working with us for the last decade and a half, the changes she has seen and the relevance and impact of our work. full story

Oikocredit supports digital financial services in Latin America

bankingly.png09 May 2022 Oikocredit has acquired a minority stake in Bankingly as part of a funding round for USD 10 million full story

Reflecting and pushing forward for impact: blog by Mirjam 't Lam

Mirjam 't Lam.jpg02 May 2022 As our cooperative recently published its annual results for 2021 our Managing Director Mirjam ‘t Lam shares her thoughts about some of the key highlights and challenges of the year and provides insight into the new strategy for 2022-2026. full story

Financial results for 2021: achievement and recovery

Financial results 202121 April 2022 Oikocredit has today announced its financial results for 2021 and reports on a successful year of rebuilding and rebalancing after the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic. full story

Q4 2021 quarterly report: Achievement and recovery

Untitled design (7).png21 April 2022 Four times a year Oikocredit publishes key facts and figures on the previous quarter. Here we provide our investors and others with additional background context on developments during the fourth quarter of 2021. full story

Gwen van Berne appointed as Director of Finance & Risk

Gwen-van-Berne.jpg19 April 2022 Gwen van Berne has been appointed as Director of Finance & Risk from 9 May 2022. full story

Impacting investing in West Africa [interview]

Yves14 April 2022 Oikocredit’s support associations in the United States and Canada recently met (virtually) with Yves Komaclo, Oikocredit’s Investment Manager for West Africa, to get his perspective on our work in West Africa. This article is based on the conversation that took place. full story

Latest investment to power West African communities with solar energy

Renewable energy.jpg12 April 2022 Oikocredit invests € 1.4 million in Weziza Benin to support the growth of distributed energy in West Africa. full story

A cooperative caring for local communities: Simone and Jonas' story

Simone and Jonas in their greenhouse28 March 2022 Oikocredit’s team in Brazil is passionate about investing in cooperatives that have strong ties to local communities. To help explain why, we’re introducing you to Cresol Tenente Portela and some of their clients. full story

Cool concepts for rural energy [interview]

Vivek and Kiran (RE).png14 March 2022 Solar cold storage is just one of the products that Oikocredit's new Indian partner, Ecozen Solutions, uses to improve agriculture. The world’s seventh largest country needs innovative solutions to meet its rapidly growing energy demand. Kiran Kodi, Renewable Energy Manager at Maanaveeya, Oikocredit's Indian subsidiary, and Vivek Pandey, co-founder of Ecozen, explain that the aim of their partnership is to ensure that farmers and entire value chains also benefit from innovative renewable energy solutions. full story

Empowering low-income women is at the heart of Oikocredit’s mission [interview]

Marilou Juanito.jpeg08 March 2022 To mark International Women’s Day 2022, we asked Marilou Pantua-Juanito, Oikocredit’s Capacity Building & Social Performance Coordinator in Southeast Asia, about working with Oikocredit for women’s empowerment. full story

Journey of the heart: the impact of seedlings for years to come

Elikanah photo Part 2-2.jpg03 March 2022 In part two of this blog, Elikanah Ng'ang'a, Oikocredit’s Social Performance and Capacity Building Officer for Eastern Africa, reflects on the transformation of Rwanda and the Rwanda Tea Seedlings Project. full story

Journey of the heart: visiting the Rwanda Tea Seedlings Project

Elikanah Ng'ang'a28 February 2022 In this blog, Oikocredit’s Social Performance and Capacity Building Officer for Eastern Africa, Elikanah Ng'ang'a, takes us on a journey from his home in Kenya to Rwanda and reports on Oikocredit’s Rwanda Tea Seedlings Project. full story

Proud to have worked for Oikocredit [interview]

Bart-van-Eyk-web.jpg08 February 2022 After over six years at Oikocredit, Bart van Eyk, Director of Investments, is leaving to explore new ventures in the world of impact investing and social enterprises. In this interview he shares about his highlights, challenges, learnings and more. full story

Oikocredit and Opportunity International collaboration will support affordable quality education for under-served families [interview]

Hans_1697_web.jpg31 January 2022 Oikocredit has been working with stakeholders to develop a new multi-year strategy for launch later in 2022 with an innovative approach to meeting low-income communities’ needs in education, housing, health and public infrastructure. In November 2021 we launched a new education partnership with Opportunity International in Nairobi, Kenya, attended by more than 30 financial institutions. We recently interviewed Hans Perk, Oikocredit’s Regional Director Africa, about the new venture. full story

€ 5 million loan to power African SMEs with solar energy

ecoligo Solar System Kenya.jpg25 January 2022 Oikocredit has provided Ecoligo with a € 5 million loan to grow the use of solar energy used to power small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana and Kenya full story

Digital surveying shows social changes from perspective of Oikocredit partners’ clients

Client self-perception survey coverpage.png12 January 2022 Oikocredit and five financial services partner organisations have undertaken a systematic, digital survey of the partners’ clients to assess significant changes in their lives over the past twelve months. full story

Becoming Oikocredit’s new Managing Director: interview with Mirjam ‘t Lam

Mirjam 't Lam.jpg10 January 2022 Mirjam ‘t Lam took up her new post as Managing Director of Oikocredit on 1 December. She had served as Interim Managing Director for several months after joining the cooperative in November 2020 as Director of Finance & Risk. We interviewed Mirjam about her professional background, her personal motivation, and her thoughts about Oikocredit, 2021 and the coming year. full story

New Year’s Message: Looking back and moving forward

Mirjam 't Lam.jpg04 January 2022 Oikocredit’s new Managing Director, Mirjam ‘t Lam, reflects on her first year at Oikocredit and shares about what we can look forward to in 2022 and beyond. full story

The season of joy and Mercy’s story

UNAI-KE-65.jpg17 December 2021 It doesn’t matter where you are in the world or what you are celebrating this holiday season, striving to make a positive impact in the lives of low-income people is something that everyone can take part in. full story

Oikocredit joins FIRST+ programme to help generate work opportunities for 60,000 Ghanaians

First+.png15 December 2021 Oikocredit is teaming up with CapitalPlus Exchange (CapPlus) and the Mastercard Foundation on their Financial Institution Resilience and Strengthening (FIRST+) programme to strengthen financial institutions and create work opportunities in Ghana. full story

Oikocredit held General Meeting to discuss strategy and capital-raising model

EGM image small07 December 2021 On 2 December Oikocredit held an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, with members and others participating through a web-based conferencing and electronic voting system. full story

Oikocredit invests € 2 million to support growth of solar energy in Africa

Spark.jpg07 December 2021 Our investment in solar electricity innovators Spark will enable last-mile distributors to bring affordable, sustainable off-grid solutions to hundreds of thousands of low-income households full story

Introducing Oikocredit’s new community-focused approach: learning from partners

MVP.png06 December 2021 Oikocredit has been working with its stakeholders for some time to develop a new purpose-driven multi-year strategy for launch in 2022. full story

Call for Supervisory Board applications

Newsletter November screenshot01 December 2021 Oikocredit intends to appoint new members to its Supervisory Board during its annual general meeting in June 2022. full story

IDH Farmfit Fund and Oikocredit co-investment in Aldea Global to support Nicaraguan coffee smallholders

ALD-NI-50.jpg30 November 2021 IDH Farmfit Fund and Oikocredit are providing a  syndicated US$ 3.2 million loan to Asociación Aldea Global Jinotega, a Nicaraguan small farmers’ association that produces and exports speciality ... full story

Symbiotics and Oikocredit invest in ETG to support West Africa cocoa and cashew value chains

ETG17 November 2021 The loan will help create an additional 200 jobs and support the work of 70,000 smallholder farmers in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria full story

Q3 2021 quarterly report: Cautious optimism

Untitled design (7).png16 November 2021 Four times a year Oikocredit publishes key facts and figures on the previous quarter. Here we provide our investors and others with additional background context on developments during the third quarter of 2021. full story

Mirjam ‘t Lam appointed Oikocredit’s Managing Director

Mirjam 't Lam.jpg16 November 2021 Mirjam ‘t Lam has been appointed Managing Director of Oikocredit, effective 1 December 2021. full story

Oikocredit partners Crecer and Fonkoze shortlisted for European Microfinance Award 2021 for Inclusive Finance and Healthcare

15 November 2021 Two Oikocredit partners, Crecer IFD in Bolivia and Fonkoze in Haiti, are among the shortlisted finalists for the European Microfinance Award 2021 for Inclusive Finance & Healthcare. full story

Oikocredit holds general meeting in December

EGM image.png05 November 2021 Oikocredit’s Managing Board and Supervisory Board are pleased to announce to the cooperative's members the convention of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to be held on 2 December 2021. full story

Capacity building for agriculture [interview]

Barbara.jpg04 November 2021 Barbara Rademaker started at Oikocredit in January 2021 as the cooperative’s Global Agriculture Specialist. In this interview we find out about Barbara’s past experience, present work and future ambitions at Oikocredit. full story