Microfinance institutions appear to have defied the global economic slump as a lifeline out of poverty to those considered unbankable.
Al Jazeera's Andrew Simmons reports from Kenya where the industry is changing the face of Kenya's largest slums.
The World Cup football tournament kicks off in one week, and host South Africa is busy putting on the finishing touches. But not everyone is looking forward to the tournament. Authorites in cities including Cape Town are being accused of clearing the poor from the streets - to create a good impression for visiting fans. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa has more.