In 2019, UNCDF partnered with ComicRelief and Jersey Overseas Aid to launch the ‘Expanding Financial Access and Digital and Financial Literacy (REFAD)' programme with an objective to support a resilient and sustainable local economic development through empowering the demand and supply sides of Rwanda’s financial sector ecosystem. The REFAD model is an approach that coalesces digital financial education, designing and adopting client-centric financial products, strengthening VSLAs to provide rural and refugee communities with transformational, convenient, and affordable financial services that enable individuals and families to make sound financial choices and increase their households’ incomes.

This publication highlights the programme's key achievements, impact, and lessons learnt.