Project: Digital Communities Scoping Research in Lesotho & Eswatini
Client: UNCDF
Date: February 2022 – December 2022
The Problem
UNCDF was looking to conduct scoping research on digital financial products and services in Lesotho and Eswatini. The aim of the research was to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to manage their financial lives, manage risks and invest in quality health and education using digital financial products and services.
The Solution
The Agova team conducted three-week research trips in Lesotho and Eswatini, engaging over 100 stakeholders, including small businesses, farmers, financial service providers, and mobile network operators. Using human-centered design methods, the team gathered in-depth qualitative insights to better understand the digital finance landscape for informal cross-border traders and rural smallholder farmers.
Results
The outcomes of this research are now being used in the development of a financing framework for private sector, development sector and government partners to increase MSMEs access to digital financial products and services.
