Financial Inclusion: Technology, Innovation, Progress

From innovative technology to increased engagement by the private sector, several exciting trends are propelling the world’s impressive gains in financial access, according to the newly released annual report from the UNSGSA. The report also details the many ways in which financial inclusion is driving progress on the development goals.

Despite this progress, however, gaps remain—most notably among women and the poor—and account usage lags behind access. The report details the UNSGSA’s ongoing efforts to address these issues through three key areas of work: ensuring usage and development impact, reaching neglected populations, and creating the right environment for technology-enabled financial inclusion. Read the full report.

Hardware Pioneers: Harnessing the Impact Potential of Technology Entrepreneurs

by FSG

A new report from FSG, Hardware Pioneers: Harnessing the Impact Potential of Technology Entrepreneurs, investigates the obstacles to development and scaling faced by those seeking to bring innovative hardware technologies, such as solar lanterns or low-cost medical devices, to people living in poverty throughout developing countries. The report suggests ways in which various sectors can leverage their unique resources to strategically support the journeys of these pioneers, from the initial inspiration to ultimate impact at scale.