Events

In 2016, the initial hypotheses was that:

1. Financial services providers (FSPs) addressing financial inclusion had little understanding of the customers they were serving;
2. FSPs could learn distribution solutions from fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies that seemed to be able to reach all parts of Nigeria; and
3. The operating business models, resources and capabilities deployed by FSPs to address the poor were inadequate.

Armed with the findings, the next year, delved into the enabling environment and policy landscape. Addressing policy, the research embarked on doctrinal and policy analyses that highlighted the gaps and issues within the ecosystem. A multi-stakeholder forum was convened in search of solutions. The report continued peeling the layers and exposing consumer habits and also launched a section on women’s financial inclusion.

In 2018, the net was broadened and examined the impact of financial inclusion on macroeconomic development. Findings showed that financial inclusion is good for the economy and necessary for achieving our sustainable development goals (SDGs). The 2019 Digital Financial Services Report provides the consumer and gender profiles with some more contextual relevance and linkage. It evaluates the progress of the market-enabling policy recommendations made in 2017 and how things have progressed and what is outstanding.