African governments are at the forefront of efforts to harness digital technologies to build more inclusive economies. Double-digit growth in mobile phone ownership in the first half of this decade has triggered a surge of innovative digital tools and services across the continent. However, the benefits of the digital age are not being shared equally. Women—especially those living in poor and marginalized communities—are most likely to be on the wrong side of a persistent digital divide. The report draws on the lessons learned about financial services for the poor since we started investing in the area about 15 years ago.
Impact / Outcome
African leaders are poised to accelerate and expand digital financial services across the continent, making way for strong, inclusive digital economies benefiting millions, especially women. Africa’s already thriving mobile money markets are fertile ground for this expansion, and the African Union’s agenda for a unified and integrated Africa provides a framework for this progress, including harmonized regulations and a pan-African payment system, which will support trade, economic growth, and development across the continent’s eight regional economic communities.
Funding sources
Public/Private
Key Metrics
Support efforts to build more inclusive, sustainable, and responsible digital financial systems in Africa
Operating model
Public-private partnershipYear published
01 July 2019 
Gates Foundation NGOs and other non-profit