The Financial Innovation Lab (or FinLab) is a community of practice energized by its mission to improve digital and financial inclusion to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. The Labs aim to increase the accessibility and usage of digital financial products and services for low- and middle-income people in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific by sharing knowledge and providing resources to players active in the digital economy.

Improving access and including people in the financial system is about much more than having a bank account. It is a key element of social and economic inclusion. It is about helping people participate in today's connected economy.

Digital platforms are forcing us to reimagine how people communicate, consume, and create. In particular, digital tools can enable financial service providers to scale innovative solutions for problems in agriculture, health, education, information access, and energy. They also present incredible potential to address very real societal problems and improve the lives of vulnerable people.

With innovation challenges in more than 10 countries, UNCDF supports the efforts of companies and individuals who strive to contribute to the SDGs. We provide direct support to such companies and individuals with training, networking and grants. We have different challenges in various stages of development. To find more about these initiatives and our partners, check our challenges page and join a current challenge!

Contact us

finlab@uncdf.org