Digitization

Drivers of digital payments

This study shows that per capita income, education, availability of digital infrastructure and greater internet penetration help in the growth of digital payments in an economy. For India, it suggests that the government should focus on providing a conducive macroeconomic environment and safe and easy access to digital infrastructure.

Did you see my tweet?  

This FSD Kenya analysis demonstrates the utility of social media (Twitter) analytics tools for monitoring discussions around consumer protection. 

How to consolidate gains in digital payments

This CG Dev paper, by Professor Njuguna Ndung’u, shows how M-Pesa’s success has led to a series of endogenous innovations that have shaped Kenya’s digital space. It outlines several important challenges that Kenya will need to address in order to further consolidate its success, including connectivity issues, digital ID, interoperability and consumer protection.

Barriers to adoption of digital services

When digital services are designed to only be accessed by more powerful devices, the poor and marginalized are left out. This Institute of Development Studies report discusses barriers in accessing technology-related services in Bangladesh and how they can be removed.

How to create a digital ID for inclusive development

This USAID guide aims to: 1) illustrate how investments in ID systems impact individuals and their households; and 2) provide specific how-to guidance to help donors, program managers, and M&E specialists get started in thinking about ID ecosystems.

The Digital Lives of Refugees

This report by GSMA and UNHCR looks at the ways in which refugees are using mobile phones to help guide digital interventions by humanitarian organizations and mobile network operators.

Fintech notes: Rise of digital money

This IMF brief takes a first stab at tackling the questions surrounding the rise of new forms of digital money.

How to promote women's digital financial inclusion

Prepared at the request of the G7 French Presidency, this Gates Foundation report aims to be “a blueprint for improving digital financial inclusion in Africa.”

The Effect of Payment Choices on Online Retail: Evidence from the 2016 Indian Demonetization

This Harvard Business School paper concludes that consumers who switch to digital payments maintain their purchase frequency but spend more and are less likely to return their purchases.

Client Voices: Rwandans Speak on Digital Financial Services

Based on a survey of over 1,200 people in three districts of Rwanda, this Smart Campaign report delves into the experiences of users of digital financial services.

The age of digital interdependence

The UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation released this report. It highlights the need for inclusivity and protection of human rights to ensure a safe digital future for all and shares 5 key recommendations.  

Consumer protection standards for digital credit 

Similar to the RDPGs, this Smart Campaign publication identifies standards for responsible digital financial services, especially credit. It aims to guide the practices of both fintechs and traditional financial service providers undergoing digital transformation. 

Imparting financial literacy through tablets

Digital Payments Adoption and the Demand for Cash: New International Evidence

Cash remains in high demand despite measures by governments to keep funds digital. This Central Bank of Colombia study finds that economic growth and lower interest rates have a role to play.

How policymakers can drive uptake of digital payments

New BCG publication discusses the foundational elements that raise the chances of a successful digital journey. Laying the foundations for a cashless economy, it says, should begin with an overarching national payments agenda driven by key stakeholders, including the government. 

Government targets higher adoption of FASTag

In a bid to promote adoption of FASTag, e-toll collection system, the Indian Government is planning to impose a double toll fee if non-FASTag vehicles enter the FASTag lane.

Report of the High-level committee on deepening of digital payments

Nandan Nilekani-led high-level panel submitted its report on deepening digital payments in India. It calls for pivoting the ecosystem from issuance to acceptance and shares practical recommendations for doing that. The report refers to 6 Alliance publications.

Do Mothers Prefer Digital Payments over Cash?

Government of Bangladesh shifted to digital payments to transfer education stipends directly to mobile phone accounts of nearly 13 million mothers. In this report, CGDev takes stock of how t…

Lessons from implementing Aadhaar 

This Overseas Development Institute brief looks at a decade of Aadhaar program in India and draws lessons that can contribute to global conversations on digital identity.

The Ups and Downs of India’s Digital Transformation

Indian economy is operating at an estimated $33 billion less cash than it would have without demonetization. Income tax buoyancy is at a decade high of 2.20. This Harvard Business Review art…