UNCDF in Eastern Caribbean
Our work
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Trinidad and Tobago and the Eastern Caribbean through the Digital Finance for Resilience (DFS4Res) programme, supported by the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
Running from December 2020 to December 2026 across 11 countries, including the in Caribbean, the programme expands access to finance for small businesses, women, and young people through practical digital solutions. It supports economic recovery after COVID-19 and helps communities better manage future shocks.
In the Eastern Caribbean, UNCDF works with financial institutions, regulators, and partners to design and test solutions that improve how financial services are delivered. Credit unions play a central role, helping reach underserved communities. This work strengthens access to finance, improves financial systems, and supports more resilient local economies.
Across the Eastern Caribbean, small‑scale producers are strengthening their livelihoods thanks to initiatives that are opening up new digital pathways to financing, markets, and stronger, more resilient businesses. Photo: UNRCO Caribbean.
Through UNCDF’s support, farmers are accessing digital finance tools that open new market opportunities and help build resilience across the agricultural sector. Photo: UNRCO Caribbean.
Modernizing core banking systems to strengthen financial inclusion
UNCDF is advancing digital transformation in the Eastern Caribbean through the Zed Labs initiative, a digital innovation platform that designs and tests technology solutions for financial institutions.
Through this initiative, UNCDF is assessing the feasibility of deploying a new core banking system for credit unions, community-based financial institutions owned by their members, providing affordable and inclusive banking services..The solution aims to enhance digital service delivery, boost operational efficiency, and expand financial access for over 27,000 credit union members, strengthening the capacity of local institutions to serve their communities.
Expanding digital payments through mobile wallet innovation
UNCDF is supporting the growth of digital finance in the Eastern Caribbean through the mLajan mobile wallet initiative, which trained four credit unions and integrated digital payments into two core banking systems.
The project reached 2,570 users in Dominica, strengthening the digital capabilities of credit unions and laying the foundation for wider adoption of mobile wallet solutions across the region.
Boosting market access through digital agriculture platforms
UNCDF is piloting an e-commerce platform (Agri-Connect Platform) to expand market access for agri-entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers in the Eastern Caribbean.
The platform connected 200 farmers with 13 buyers across multiple countries, enabling them to trade and receive payments online. By strengthening the digital infrastructure for agricultural markets, the initiative is helping farmers integrate into the digital economy and laying the groundwork for scalable, tech-enabled agri-business solutions in the region.
An agri-entrepreneur uses a mobile device to access a UNCDF supported e‑commerce platform, which is helping expand digital market opportunities for smallholder farmers across the Eastern Caribbean. Photo: UNRCO Caribbean.
Unlocking instant payments through credit union integration
UNCDF is advancing financial inclusion in the Eastern Caribbean through the Eastern Caribbean Automated Clearing House (ECACH) pilot, which enables credit unions to participate in the region’s automated clearing house and settlement system.
By unlocking instant digital payments and facilitating transfers between credit unions, the initiative is expanding access to finance for more than 61,000 members. With over 60% women, the project is a significant step toward gender-responsive digital finance, strengthening the role of credit unions in delivering inclusive, real-time financial services.
Strengthening the digital finance ecosystem through collaboration and policy support
At the regional level, UNCDF launched the Caribbean Digital Financial Alliance (CDFA), a platform that unites regulators, fintech innovators, and academic institutions to advance inclusive digital finance with a coordinated approach.
Complementing this effort, UNCDF has provided technical support on e-money and virtual asset legislation and delivered policy training to more than 150 financial regulators and policymakers, strengthening the enabling environment for digital transformation.
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Our partners
UNCDF’s work in the Caribbean is made possible thanks to collaboration with: the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, the European Union, Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, National Payment and Innovation Company of Trinidad and Tobago, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO).
Documents
This section brings together key documents related to UNCDF’s work in the country. It includes a curated selection of publications, papers, and reports that reflect the scope of engagement at country level, from programme design to implementation and outcomes.
These documents offer additional context on how initiatives are developed and delivered, and how partnerships contribute to advancing national priorities. They are intended to support transparency, facilitate knowledge sharing and serve as a practical resource for partners, stakeholders and others seeking a deeper understanding of UNCDF’s work.
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Contact us
For inquiries about UNCDF’s work in the Caribbean, including partnerships, investment opportunities, or ongoing initiatives, please contact our team wcac.region@uncdf.org.
