We have launched a COVID-19 Tracker, The survey themes include health and risk behaviours, food security, income, work and job security, personal safety concerns, and access to government and community support. www.covid19tracker.africa
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The latest research, blog posts, articles, publications, videos and infographics across all our work.
The 2024 SADC Financial Inclusion Forum featured discussions on digital payments, regulatory frameworks, and innovation, promoting collaboration to enhance financial inclusion and regional investment opportunities.
UN Women has published an analysis of the current status of financial inclusion in SADC countries, with inputs from the SADC Secretariat and FinMark Trust. Read the factsheet.
Status of Financial Inclusion in SADC Member States
The UN Women report titled “Her Finance, Her Future – Building Stronger Economies One Woman at a Time” explores the status of financial inclusion in SADC, focusing on women's access to and use of financial services.
UN Women SADC Financial Inclusion Statistical Report
FinMark Trust is proud to have contributed to this comprehensive report. Download the Financial Inclusion and Gender in SADC Sub-region Status Report for the statistical findings.
The presentation by Abel Motsomi, Senior Data and Analytics Specialist at FinMark Trust covers the latest findings tracks the progress of sector developments and financial inclusion in South Africa using the FinScope MSME 2020 as a benchmark.
This webinar covers strategies to improve digital payments in Tembisa and Hammanskraal, highlighting the challenges these communities face and detailing the planned interventions to overcome them.
The 2023 year survey shows financial inclusion has increased, with a significant drop in financial exclusion from 51% in 2014 to 12% in 2023, largely due to the rapid adoption of mobile money services.
The presentation covers financial inclusion levels, access and usage trends, drivers and barriers, and the impact of COVID-19. FinScope aims to foster evidence-based dialogue for effective interventions to enhance financial inclusion in Malawi.
The report highlights key survey findings, comparing national-level data to the 2014 survey results to track indicators and trends. It offers a full analysis, disaggregated by gender, age and location.
Este guia resume as conclusões do estudo de diagnóstico para apoiar o desenvolvimento de programas específicos de género para a inclusão financeira das mulheres nestes corredores.
Summary guide: Women’s Roles in Cross-Border Remittances
Cross-border remittances fuel livelihoods in the SADC region. This guide summarises key findings from the diagnostic study to support the development of gender-specific programmes for women’s financial inclusion in these corridors.
FinScope Consumer South Africa 2023 Survey Launch Presentation
The presentation of results by Jabulani Khumalo - Senior Data and Analytics Specialist, a keynote address by Dr. Pali Lehohla, and a panel discussion with experts Kershia Singh, Dr. Thabang Chiloane, and Pamela Ramagaga.
This year's findings highlight the financial challenges in South Africa, with 40% of adults borrowing money for food and 20 million adults experiencing electricity cuts due to affordability in the past year.
Our Annual Report shares our progress in advancing beyond traditional financial inclusion to bring about lasting change focussed on real impact. We're working to create a more inclusive financial system for our region.
Summary report: Women Cross-border Traders (Lesotho Corridor)
This report delves into the experiences of women in the South Africa to Lesotho corridor. It addresses crucial data gaps, aiding in targeted support for digital payments in Southern Africa.
Summary report: Women Cross-border Traders (Mozambique Corridor)
This report delves into the experiences of women in the South Africa to Mozambique corridor. It addresses crucial data gaps, aiding in targeted support for digital payments in Southern Africa.
Este relatório explora as experiências das mulheres no corredor da África do Sul para Moçambique. Ele aborda lacunas críticas de dados, auxiliando no suporte direcionado para pagamentos digitais no Sul da África.
Summary report: Women Cross-border Traders (Malawi Corridor)
This report delves into the experiences of women in the South Africa to Malawi corridor. It addresses crucial data gaps, aiding in targeted support for digital payments in Southern Africa.
Explore Zimbabwe's mobile money evolution, challenges and economic impact with our guide. Drawing on 2018-2021 data, this publication delves into the milestones, regulations and societal effects of mobile money services, and more.
The South African informal sector is a vibrant thread, pulsating with entrepreneurial energy. Valued at almost $10 billion annually and representing 17% of the country’s total employment.
Explore the impact of cross-border remittances from South Africa to Zimbabwe. The IOM commissioned this in-depth study to examine the role of cross-border remittances in households in Zimbabwe.
The modern world has moved towards digitisation, yet a significant gap remains in terms of financial and economic inclusion, particularly in Africa. Despite this, there is a substantial opportunity to harness the power of data to bridge this gap.
Rapport du Forum sur l'Inclusion Financière de la SADC 2023
Offre un résumé complet des perspectives précieuses et des discussions stimulantes partagées lors de la conférence. Le rapport comprend des interviews post-événement avec certains de nos principaux parties prenantes.
Offers a comprehensive summary of the valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions shared during the conference. The report features post-event interviews with some of our key stakeholders.
Apresenta um resumo abrangente das perspectivas valiosas e das discussões instigantes compartilhadas durante a conferência. O relatório inclui entrevistas pós-evento com alguns dos nossos principais intervenientes.
The FinScope Tanzania 2023 report highlights key survey findings, comparing national-level data to the 2017 survey results to track indicators and trends. It offers a full analysis, disaggregated by gender, age and location.
The FinScope Consumer Survey provides reliable benchmarks on financial inclusion in Angola, these findings benefit various sectors, with the aim of improving the lives of Angolan individuals.
FinScope Angola 2023 Relatório de Inquérito ao Consumidor
O guia de bolso da Pesquisa do Consumidor FinScope Angola 2022 é uma referência confiável para a inclusão financeira em Angola. É um recurso valioso para o desenvolvimento de estratégias eficazes com base em evidências empíricas.
In 2022, FinMark Trust continued to make progress in our efforts to improve the lives of the poor by prioritising inclusive growth and the development of sustainable livelihoods. Read more in our 2022 annual report.
FinMark Trust: Twentieth anniversary digital journal
Twenty years ago, when FinMark Trust was established, we took the dream of making financial markets work for the poor and turned it into reality. Join us as we reflect on this journey, with key milestones highlighted in our digital journal.
This summary guide of the report on the state of the digital payments ecosystem in South African townships (Hammanskraal and Tembisa) shares key insights and recommendations from research conducted in 2022.
FinScope Demand Side Survey Ghana 2021 - Pocket guide
The Ghana Demand Side Survey 2021 provides credible benchmarks on the level of financial inclusion and, using empirical evidence, guides focused and targeted financial inclusion strategies.
The financial sector conducted the FinScope Zimbabwe 2022 Consumer Survey for the third time in a row. This repeat survey provides credible benchmarks for the extent and quality of financial inclusion.
The main presentation covers all of the top-line findings for Zimbabwe 2022. With 115 slides of insightful information, we evaluate trends, changes, and interventions over time starting from 2014.
A comprehensive overview of the key findings from the survey that describes the levels and landscape of access, usage and quality of financial products and services, (both formal and informal), tracking the level of financial access since 2012.
A presentation on the assessment of the size and scope of individual entrepreneurs and owners of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Zimbabwe 2022, focusing on their financial service needs.
This pocket guide highlights key findings from the market assessment of remittance flows into and out of South Africa using SARB data and a mystery shopping exercise looking at the costs of remitting via various channels, from South Africa.
FinMark Trust conducted a market assessment of remittance flows into and out of South Africa using SARB data and a mystery shopping exercise looking at the costs of remitting via various channels, from South Africa to other countries in the SADC.
Presentation on sharing the most recent prices across various channels – as well as addressing some of the market's most significant changes with experts from the field.
This year saw us implementing what we call Financial Inclusion 2.0 to ensure better real sector outcomes for the poor and women in the region. Read more in our 2021 annual report
Lesotho has seen a significant increase in financial inclusion since 2011. The FinScope Consumer Survey Lesotho 2021 report provides financial inclusion statistics, analyses, insights, and proposed recommendations to improve the lives of Basotho.
The brochure summarises and highlights the FinScope Consumer Survey Lesotho 2021 report's findings. It serves as a quick reference guide to the key statistics and insights.
Botswana is moving towards the 2021 goal of reducing financial exclusion to 12% or increasing usage of more than one type of formal financial service to 57%.
Early in 2021 FinMark Trust, with support from the FCDO, set out to understand the effects of the pandemic on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Botswana with a telephonic Business Pulse survey and qualitative interviews.
Credit is key to any business – including farming. For FSPs to effectively grant credit to MSMEs, an entire ecosystem is needed. Discover what the state of the discussion is in the SADC member states.
Digitisation of Financial Products for Cross-Border Traders
Informal cross border trade is important to the food security, supply of basic medical goods, as well as the livelihoods of millions. Find out more about the key corridors between SA and 5 key countries.
Agriculture supports millions of people across SADC and is key in the development of the region. Discover the barriers and opportunities for FSPs participating in this space in SADC.
This agriculture scoping study focuses on eSwatini as part of the FMT initiative to design market-based interventions that result in more inclusive growth for MSMEs.
This agriculture scoping study focuses on Botswana as part of the FMT initiative to design market-based interventions that result in more inclusive growth for MSMEs.
This agriculture scoping study focuses on Malawi as part of the FMT initiative to design market-based interventions that result in more inclusive growth for MSMEs.
This agriculture scoping study focuses on Lesotho as part of the FMT initiative to design market-based interventions that result in more inclusive growth for MSMEs.
The Role of Remittances in Deepening Financial Inclusion
South Africa and Eswatini Remittances Corridor Diagnostic, this report is a compilation of research findings to inform the implementation of the IFAD’s Financial Inclusion and Cluster Development (FINCLUDE) programme in Eswatini.
The objectives of FinScope Botswana 2020 were to understand the adult population in terms of, Livelihoods and how they generate their income, financial needs and demands, financial perceptions, demographic and geographic distribution.
SMME Finance Scoping: Services and Light Manufacturing
The objectives of this study are to understand the SMME landscape in Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini and Malawi, and provide recommendations for a financial inclusion and growth strategy.
Report on the impact of the shift to a risk-based approach to AML/CTF
South Africa has implemented a shift from a rules-based approach to anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing (AML/CTF) to a risk-based approach (RBA), a move that came into effect with the amendment to the Financial Intelligence Act.
This report reviews the implementation of the 2014 MAP Eswatini diagnostic, considers market changes, and identifies financial inclusion interventions to grow the economy
This report reviews the implementation of the 2016 MAP Zimbabwe diagnostic, considers market changes, and identifies financial inclusion interventions to grow the economy
Sustainable data collection for development Report
With sustainability of data collection in mind, the i2i has set out to test whether or not mobile tech could be used to offer faster and more cost-effective collection.
Access to basic services Botswana
This scoping study has been conducted to identify the barriers and opportunities to enable affordable digital delivery and access to basic services in Botswana.
This scoping study has been conducted to identify the barriers and opportunities to enable affordable digital delivery and access to basic services in Malawi.
This scoping study has been conducted to identify the barriers and opportunities to enable affordable digital delivery and access to basic services in Eswatini.
This scoping study has been conducted to identify the barriers and opportunities to enable affordable digital delivery and access to basic services in Madagascar.
This scoping study has been conducted to identify the barriers and opportunities to enable affordable digital delivery and access to basic services in Lesotho.
While we continue to focus on inclusive development of financial markets, we expanded our strategies to include a more direct focus on real economy impacts with FI 2.0
SADC Innovation and Investment Challenge Dealbook
Making impact through innovations in financial inclusion
This MAP report reviews the implementation of the 2015 MAP diagnostic, considers market changes, and identifies financial inclusion interventions to grow the economy.
SASSA Grant Recipients - Generating Better Livelihoods
Documenting the findings of the research study on socio-economic factors faced by South African social grant recipients while also assessing similar global initiatives.
SASSA Grant Recipients - Improving the Financial Capability
Given the importance of social grants in the livelihoods of the poor, it is appropriate to leverage this mechanism to promote income generation and security of livelihoods.
As viewed, moving grant distribution towards greater impact requires the establishment, promotion and support of inclusive digital payment ecosystems at community level.
Measuring Progress: Financial Inclusion in selected SADC countries
This 2019 report is the third in an annual series that assess the level of financial inclusion in selected SADC countries where the MAP programme has been implemented.
SADC Innovation Challenge objectives, competition timelines, the thematic challenges, the participant overview, and the in-country and regional winners.
Highlighting the usage of access to financial services in South Africa in 2019, to better understand market needs and attitudes of both informal and formal offerings.
Summary Report: Innovation Ecosystem Scoping in the SADC Region
The SADC region is not trailing far behind in the use of technological innovation to foster growth, with a small but fast-growing tech-enabled community.
Mozambique implemented the 3rd Mozambique FinScope Survey to help monitor and evaluate sector interventions driven by the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS).
The lack of recent, holistic and reliable information about the MSME sector was identified to be a significant barrier from past consumer surveys and the MAP process.
This report focuses on how FinMark Trust support in innovation that drives impact and enables marginalised communities to work towards sustainable livelihoods through financial inclusion.
This report focuses on how FinMark Trust support in innovation that drives impact and enables marginalised communities to work towards sustainable livelihoods through financial inclusion.
Read our summary report of the findings from the Financial Needs pilots, in partnership with AFI members from Mexico, Nigeria, Kenya, Philippines and Zimbabwe.
Measuring Progress: Financial inclusion in SADC - 2019 Report
The MAP country implementation is a key pillar of the SADC FI strategy, implemented with the SADC Secretariat and the SADC Committee for Central Bank Governors.
The primary objective of this report is to deliver unique insights regarding the impact of DataHack4FI Season 2 on fintechs and aspiring data scientists.
Zimbabwe Financial Inclusion Forum 2019 Report
The forum was held under the theme “Strengthening Financial Inclusion in Zimbabwe, from Policy to Practice: Lessons and Way Forward”
The fourth SADC Financial Inclusion Forum was held this year to further advance the aspirations of the SADC Strategy on Financial Inclusion and SME access to finance.
Making Access Possible is a multi-country initiative to support financial inclusion through a process of evidence-based country diagnostic and stakeholder dialogue, leading to the development of national financial inclusion roadmaps.
Many people don’t actively use formal financial services. Understanding why can render important policy insights. This note unpacks the various drivers of usage.
The Report also uses data from the Annual Report of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the Annual Supervision Report of the NBC for the year 2016.
A recent study identified 18 unique behavioural interventions that FSPs can implement to influence the savings, credit, payment and insurance decisions of individuals.
This document sets out the comprehensive diagnostic findings which will feed into the Roadmap that will be developed in collaboration with the MAP steering committee.
Burkina Faso MAP Rapport De Diagnostic 2017(French)
L’initiative « Rendre l’Accès Possible » (Making Access Possible - MAP) est une initiative multi pays visant à appuyer l’inclusion financière à travers
The Government of Togo recognises the role played by the financial sector in facilitating economic growth through enhanced access to financial services.
Data and analytics for business decision-making. Scoping Note 1
This note specifically explores the drivers and barriers
Data and analytics for business decision-making. Scoping Note 2
This note specifically explores the steps in the data value chain
Cross-Border Remittances 2016
This report provides an update on the available money transfer offerings that facilitate remittance flows from South Africa to other countries in SADC.
The Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) commissioned FinMark Trust to undertake a Baseline Survey on Financial Literacy.