The United Nations Capital Development Fund Pacific Digital Economy Programme (UNCDF PDEP) recognize the opportunity to and importance of harnessing digital financial services to help Pacific Island countries build capital and grow their economies over the long-term. As such, a focus on improving the digital and financial literacy (DFL) of all population segments is essential in contributing to a more strengthened consumer protection and resilience of the people of Tonga.

The Government of Tonga recognizes the urgency of equipping the citizens with relevant digital and financial management and decision-making skills so they can harness DFS to the benefit, rather than detriment, of their financial health and well-being. So, the Government of Tonga is finalizing the Tonga National Financial Inclusion Strategy having ‘Consumer Protection and Financial Competencies’ as one of the four core strategic objectives, with the aim of integrating financial literacy into the product design and service delivery by Financial Service Providers (FSPs) and increase awareness about the product and services including digital financial services.

In this context, it is essential to assess the status of financial and digital literacy in Tonga to design and implement evidence backed interventions.

UNCDF partnered with Tebbutt Research to conduct Digital and Financial Literacy Survey in Tonga and six other Pacific Island Countries (Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Timor-Leste and Solomon Islands) to assess the current state of digital and financial literacy within each country. The research explores experiences with traditional and digital financial services to-date, in addition to assessing basic competencies in the areas of digitalization and finance.

The survey findings will be used to develop and implement targeted interventions for improving digital financial competencies among women, MSMEs, youth, migrant workers, and rural communities. The survey results are intended to serve as a baseline from which future changes in competencies, access, and usage can be measured by the regulators and development partners.

Discover DFLS findings from other Pacific Island Countries: