Market-level assessment of financial inclusion and DFS

Digital Financial Services and financial inclusion in the Central African Republic: market-level assessment, with a focus on rural population and women

The objective of the study was to conduct an assessment of financial inclusion, as well as the ecosystem of Digital Financial Services (DFS) across selected regions in order to understand opportunities for improving the payment ecosystem, and financial inclusion more generally, especially for the rural population and women. The study focused on three areas: Bangui and its suburban area,  Bouar, and Bossangoa. The study included:

• An analysis of the policy and regulatory environment and an analysis of the current supply of DFS and inclusive financial services
• A demand assessment through individual interviews in urban areas and focus groups in rural areas, with a gender focus
• A mapping of the money flows between Bangui and the Bouar and Bossangoa regions
• An analysis of key constraints and opportunities to increase access to finance in general and to DFS, with a focus on rural populations and women