A survey on knowledge, skills and access

While rapid growth in access and usage of digital devices, products, and financial and non-financial services is driving financial inclusion, up-to-date and robust data on the demand side is necessary to better understand how (as well as if and to what extent) this inclusion translates into positive effects for people. The UNCDF Digital and Financial Literacy (DFL) Survey was developed to fill an existing gap, particularly in countries where data is scarce or outdated, that can then be used to inform policy and to design appropriate interventions, products and services.

The objective of the DFL survey aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in its potential to inform initiatives enhancing financial inclusion and fostering resilient economic recovery post-COVID-19. The data gathered can aid in refining digital finance policies and programs to better support low-income individuals, women, youth, those living in rural areas, and MSMEs. Therefore, the survey indirectly facilitates SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by providing information that can be used to promote sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities. Similarly, its emphasis on capturing the nuances of the digital finance ecosystem can inform efforts towards SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by identifying areas where interventions can lessen the economic disparities faced by vulnerable populations.

The DFL survey was previously conducted in seven Pacific countries and has been implemented in Malawi, Niger and Gabon, in addition to Ethiopia, with publications forthcoming in 2026. A scoring system, comparable across countries and between different demographic groups, was applied to analyse levels of digital and financial competencies. These DFL reports are meant to serve as a resource of the state of digital and financial literacy in the countries where they have been implemented for policymakers, public and private sector alike.