Emerging Markets Today
By Ana Paula Picasso
Your source for smart, data-driven conversations about innovation and technology in emerging markets - Hosted by Ana Paula Picasso.
We explore how startups, fintech, and digital platforms are reshaping economies across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Each episode brings real stories from founders, policymakers, and strategists driving change on the ground — from financial inclusion and mobility to AI and digital identity.
Learn more at www.emergingmarkets.today and subscribe to our Substack at emergingmarketstoday.substack.com
We explore how startups, fintech, and digital platforms are reshaping economies across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Each episode brings real stories from founders, policymakers, and strategists driving change on the ground — from financial inclusion and mobility to AI and digital identity.
Learn more at www.emergingmarkets.today and subscribe to our Substack at emergingmarketstoday.substack.com
Latest episode
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China’s E-Commerce Machine and Temu’s Global Reach
Temu is now the most downloaded app across Europe. A Chinese e commerce platform that grew fast enough to push aside long-established Western players. I wanted to understand the mechanics behind this shift, so I invited su… -

LatAm Outlook 2026: Mexico stays steady. Colombia feels the strain.
In this episode, I’m joined by economists Elijah Oliveros Rosen and Harumi Hasegawa Sanchez from S&P Global Ratings. We unpacked why Latin America’s 2024 unexpectedly outpaced forecasts… -

Why Ride-Sharing Giants Struggle to Crack Brazil
Brazil is one of the most promising ride-hailing markets in the world — but it’s also one of the toughest to win. In this episode, Ana Paula Picasso sits down with Luiz Fittipaldi, fo… -

We are back with new episodes this week!
I’m back with a new season of Emerging Markets Today.This year, I’ll explore how technology and innovation grow where infrastructure, regulation, and creativity meet — from fintech and ride-sharing to … -

Emerging Markets in 2025: A Quick Look
In the first episode of the year, we talked about emerging markets in 2025, exploring key trends and investment opportunities. With sources curated by Ana Paula Picasso and analysis/voices fro… -

India's Big Leap: Semiconductors & Economic Growth
In this episode, we explore India’s Semiconductor Surge: Driving Force of “Make in India”&… -

Why Brazil Still Is a No-Go for IKEA
Why hasn’t IKEA entered Brazil yet? In this episode, we explore the reasons behind IKEA’s absence in Brazil’s market, including tough competition from local brands and logistical challenges. Tune in for insights! This epis… -

Africa's Streaming Revolution: Video and Music
In this episode, powered by Google’s NotebookLM AI Tool, we dive into how Showmax has overtaken Netflix in Africa by focusing on local content, language diversity, and flexible payment options. We also explore Africa's booming music streamin… -

Walmart's Brazilian Misadventure
Walmart's "Everyday Low Prices" strategy may have succeeded in the US, but it faced a surprising defeat in Brazil. Despite a super fast expansion through acquisitions in the early 2000s, Walmart failed to connect with Bra… -

China's BYD Bold Move in Brazil’s Auto EV Market
In this episode, I’m doing something completely different. I invited two AI voices from Google’s new NotebookLM tool to join me for a conversation about one of my …