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Unlocking Invisible Barriers to Women’s Inclusion in East Africa

Invisible gender norms shape how everyone in the financial system behaves. CGAP & FSD Network research in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda shows that making finance work for women means understanding those norms and how to intervene to change market actor behavior.

Why Merchants Still Choose Cash in Sub-Saharan Africa

Digital merchant payments remain limited in Sub-Saharan Africa because current systems impose costs, frictions, and risks that don’t align with the realities of informal, low-margin MSMEs, making cash the more rational choice.

Beyond Borders: Expanding Financial Inclusion Through e-Commerce

Cross-border e-commerce enables women to expand their markets, reach new clients, and trade in greater volumes, while doing business remotely, saving time and improving efficiency. These transactions create a financial footprint that can help women qualify for loans, insurance, and other financial products.

Breaking the Cash Habit: The Urgent Need to Accelerate Digital Merchant Payments

In the latest blog in our Findex series, we look at the importance of accelerating digital merchant payments and what is needed to move Sub-Saharan Africa from potential to momentum.

Unpacking Effects of Gender Norms on Women's Financial Lives in Uganda

How do gender norms impact not just women’s behavior, but the behavior of all market actors in the financial system? Recent findings from Uganda offer some insights.

Fueling Micro-Retail: FMCGs & E-Commerce in Action

Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies have a significant opportunity to enhance their supply chain efficiency, expand their market reach, and improve operational effectiveness by leveraging B2B (Business-to-Business) e-commerce platforms.

Sowing the Seeds of Resilience: Can AI Empower Women in Agriculture?

AI is everywhere. But can it boost rural women’s agricultural income? While not a silver bullet, AI can potentially create value for rural women in agriculture. We discuss 4 key areas where there is action and opportunity around AI for women in ag.

Supplying What the Market Won’t: Donors and Young Women’s Inclusion

Young women across Africa are one of the most underserved markets for financial services. Donors can step in by strategically supporting services the market isn't likely to provide but are key to increasing young women's financial inclusion.

3 Lessons From Côte D’Ivoire on Responsible Digital Finance Ecosystems

CGAP’s WAEMU Lab has been working to improve consumer protection for DFS users in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Burkina Faso. A 2022 survey in Côte d’Ivoire revealed significant risks, but a 2024 follow-up showed progress, with 3 key lessons emerging.

Rural Women in Tanzania Build Financial Resilience Through Groups

BRAC Tanzania Finance Ltd. (BTFL) supports rural women with tailored loans, financial guidance, and a "phygital" approach, helping them build resilience and sustainable livelihoods despite the unique challenges they face.

Everyone Loves Drama: Changing Financial Norms With Edutainment

Edutainment does more than entertain. It shapes our understanding of the world and sparks change – and even the use of financial services. Compelling characters in engaging stories can increase account ownership, savings, and financial planning.

In Burkina Faso, the Most Vulnerable DFS Users Need Better Protection

DFS users in Burkina Faso face significant risks. A national survey revealed key challenges: poor network quality, fraud, and user difficulties. The most vulnerable—women and rural populations—struggle the most.

Tackling Gender Norms in Mozambique's Financial Services

Despite progress, women in Mozambique remain less financially included than men. A GIZ, CGAP, and AMB study reveals deep-rooted gender norms as key barriers, sparking targeted efforts to reshape financial systems for women.

The Stories Behind Late Repayment on Digital Credit in Côte D’Ivoire

Borrowers in Cote D’Ivoire had higher rates of loan non-repayment than those in Kenya and Tanzania, and CGAP wanted to know why. Qualitative research results shed more light on the users’ experience and the possible causes of the late repayments.

Journey to Kigali: Four Lessons on Peer Learning for Gender Data

When it comes to strategies on gender-disaggregated data for women's financial inclusion, peer learning, diversity of approaches to gender data collection and use, and creative solutions in advancing gender equality in the financial sector are key.

Transforming Côte d'Ivoire's Cashew Sector with Phygital Empowerment

In Côte d’Ivoire, Wi-Agri empowers women farmers with digital tools and on-the-ground support. By understanding the challenges rural Ivorian women face, Wi-Agri is able to design for them rather than around them.

Surveys Reveal a Path to Responsible Digital Finance in WAEMU

For the first time, there is comprehensive data on digital financial services users in the WAEMU region, and it highlights the need for more responsible digital finance ecosystems. Strengthening consumer protection is crucial.

Good News for Young Women’s Financial Inclusion in East Africa

Young women in East Africa are demanding and using financial services earlier and faster than a decade ago, according to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation analysis of Findex 2021 and 2011 data. The second blog in our series unpacks these findings.

Facing Climate Events in Nigeria, Farmers Left With Scarce Options

Based on interviews with hundreds of farmers in Nigeria, we unpack how households use financial services in responding to climate events.

What Does Financial Inclusion Mean for Young Women’s Well-being?

Well-implemented financial inclusion (FI) initiatives for various sub-segments of young women can produce positive financial and non-financial outcomes. Current research shows plural programs with FI components can benefit marginalized young women.