As the world addresses the necessary realignment in investment strategies to tackle a range of existential issues including climate change, land degradation, polluted oceans and gender inequality; new ways to securely transfer funds and boost digital & financial inclusion are emerging. A high volume of transactions into more hard-to-reach areas are taking place along non-traditional payment corridors, especially where financial infrastructure is limited or does not exist.

Digital identities, mobile wallets, distributed ledger technology, remote Digital, Monitoring Reporting & Verification (DRMV) techniques as well as advancements in mobile network coverage are presenting new opportunities for rural communities and women to participate financially in the green transition. A range of secure ways to pay recipients government subsidies or aid is also an opportunity for organizations to augment and target their impact on the ground.

Governments and global institutions have an important role to play in providing favorable regulatory conditions and in supporting infrastructure for digital solutions, to enable mass adoption and financial inclusion. There has been significant progress and learnings from the private and public sectors on the Indian Subcontinent that have embraced the opportunity afforded by digital identities and mobile wallet technology. This has also provided a platform for start-ups to focus on financially disenfranchised groups, such as, rural communities and women.

As for purpose companies, tech for good, non-profits and NGOs look to create longer term sustainable development, leveraging advances in disruptive fintech and digital infrastructure is key. As the cost of these technologies fall, the greater the opportunity becomes to make a significant environmental and social impact in LMICs.

In this report we examine a range of interconnecting elements that make up financial inclusion and last mile payments and will provide the reader with tangible examples that can be deployed in remote areas to empower underserved groups such as young people and women.
This study has been generously funded by the Government of Canada.
The views expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Parties to the UNCCD.