Digital Financial Literacy | Mobile for Development

Digital Financial Literacy

Financial inclusion for all

The GSMA has launched a global initiative to advance financial inclusion for millions of unbanked and underserved in low- and middle-income countries.

Mobile money and digital financial services (DFS) can play a transformative role in improving financial inclusion and resilience for the nearly 2 billion people who remain unbanked globally. Yet, a key barrier to the adoption and use of DFS is low digital and financial literacy. This is particularly true for women, farmers, small merchants, and refugees.

We want to address the root cause of poor adoption of DFS. We aim to reach the most vulnerable individuals and businesses with digital financial literacy content and promote their digital transformation. We want to build better financial futures for all.

Must-read resources

A smiling woman sits among colorful bouquets—yellow, red, orange, and pink—wrapped in brown paper at her market stall. In a white shirt and red pants, she looks at her smartphone, possibly managing sales through a mobile money API amid her floral arrangements.

Advancing Digital Financial Literacy: Insights from Two Pilots

Two young men in traditional outfits stand outside a modern glass building and palm trees, looking intently at a smartphone—exploring a mobile money API together. The other holds his own phone, both appearing focused on the screen.

From access to impact: Advancing financial inclusion through education

A micro-merchant in Kenya efficiently manages her business operations using her mobile phone. With strong digital financial literacy skills, she tracks sales, makes secure transactions via mobile money, and confidently grows her business, paving the way for long-term success.

Managing business operations

Everline’s story

A micro-merchant in her store reviews her bookkeeping on her mobile phone, using digital financial literacy skills and mobile money to track sales, manage expenses, and simplify her business finances.

Simplifying bookkeeping for small businesses

Jacqueline’s story

A woman stands in her field, holding a farming tool in one hand and her mobile phone in the other. Using mobile money and her digital financial literacy skills, she accesses credit to invest in better equipment and grow her agricultural business.

Unlocking financial opportunities with credit

Priscilla’s story

A man stands in the middle of his farm, looking out over his land while holding his mobile phone. With digital financial literacy and mobile money, he carefully plans and saves for long-term goals, ensuring a stable and prosperous future for his farm and family.

Planning and saving for long-term goals

Patrick’s story

A micro-merchant in Kenya stands proudly at her small shop, her phone in hand as she processes a mobile money transaction. With digital financial literacy empowering her, she confidently manages her finances, grows her business, and builds a sustainable path to entrepreneurship.

Pathways to entrepreneurship

Juliana’s story

A mother in Kenya sits on her sofa, embracing her young son with a warm smile. As a stay-at-home parent, she confidently manages her household budget using mobile money and the financial literacy skills she has gained, ensuring a secure future for her family.

Balancing the family budget successfully

A bustling front shop in Kenya, showcasing the impact of digital financial literacy. This summary video brings together inspiring user stories—from micro-merchants to farmers—highlighting how mobile money empowers financial independence. Featuring the partnership between GSMA and Visa, the video explores how collaboration is driving financial inclusion and digital transformation for communities.

Driving digital financial literacy

Contact us

Fill out this short form and we’ll be in touch.

Our newsletters

Choose from our full list of programmes and receive regular updates on our work.

This initiative is supported by Visa, the GSMA and its members.