Post by Markus Tacke

The World Bank has launched the Global Findex Database 2025 The report and the database gives an indepth view into financial inclusion world wide and on regional and national level. The key findings for the Southern African Region are: 🔹 Digital financial services are expanding rapidly Mobile money continues to be a game-changer across Southern Africa, especially in countries like Zambia, Malawi, and Namibia, where mobile wallets are bridging gaps in traditional banking. 🔹 Connectivity is key Less than 50 % of adults own a smart phone. Women and poorer adults are less likely than men and wealthier adults to own a phone. Ownership of a phone and access to network is key for access to finance. This highlights the importance of expanding mobile and internet infrastucture in rural areas as well as affordable devices and data rates. 🔹 Mobile money accounts are the growing mode of savings While savings with formal banks or similar financial institutions remain at a low level, savings on mobile wallets are experiencing enormous growth. 🔹 Gender gaps remain a challenge Women in Southern Africa are still less likely to own accounts or use digital payments. Targeted policies and inclusive fintech solutions are needed to close this gap. As German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation, we are working together with our partners in Southern Africa to strengthen financial inclusion. The data from the Global Findex Database 2025 confirms the success of our efforts, but also shows us the direction we need to take in the future. https://lnkd.in/ecSbfgca #theglobalfindex2025 #Sparkassenstiftung #DSIK #Financialinclusion #DSGV