Savings Groups in the Digital Era: Promoting Gender-Responsive & Inclusive Digital Transformation

This brief from CRS explores how Sharia-compliant savings groups can expand financial inclusion in Muslim communities. By replacing interest with fixed fees, voluntary repayments, and group purchasing (Murabaha), these groups align with Islamic finance principles while still generating modest profit and fostering community trust. The model—successfully scaled in Niger—has seen strong acceptance from both members and religious leaders.