Research & Analysis

New Insights on Women’s Mobile Phone Ownership

New data show that 81 percent of women worldwide own a mobile phone. Although large gender gaps in mobile phone ownership persist in certain countries, mobile phones are more ubiquitous among women than are financial accounts.

Female Smallholders in the Financial Inclusion Agenda

This Brief explores the gender gap in financial inclusion among smallholder families in Tanzania and Mozambique through unique survey data that allow for a nationally representative look at smallholders.

Does Transparency Matter?

Digital Finance for the Real Economy: Energy

This slidedeck describes how digital finance can help achieve universal access to clean, affordable energy (SDG 7) in three major ways.

Digital Finance for the Real Economy: Education

Education is a powerful tool to combat poverty. This slidedeck describes how digital finance can remove systemic barriers to high-quality global education in at least three ways.

Jordanians and Syrian Refugees: Remittances and Financial Services Use

How do you increase financial inclusion when the most vulnerable and financially excluded part of your population becomes host to a massive, even more vulnerable, and even less financially included group of refugees? Building on a quantitative survey, this research shows that for financial services to work for refugees, they also need to work at scale in-country.

CGAP Smallholder Families Data Hub

Our nationally representative surveys offer an unparalleled glimpse into smallholders’ agricultural and financial lives, and now there is a quick and easy way to explore our data.

Data on International Funding for Financial Inclusion in 2016

The survey covering the year 2016 collected data from 23 funders and outlines financial instruments used, purpose of funding, type of funding (e.g., public, private), geographic allocation, and more.

Strange Beasts: Making Sense of PAYGo Solar Business Models

Despite their relatively recent emergence, PAYGo companies are rapidly approaching maturity. These businesses have the chance to reduce the energy poverty gap, drive financial inclusion, and improve the quality of life for millions of people.

Escaping Darkness: Understanding Consumer Value in PAYGo Solar

This paper uses research and interviews with customers to understand the value they derive from PAYGo solar, why they decided to purchase it, how they were able to afford and pay for it, and whether they considered the product a “good deal” in the end.