Research
Digital Financial Services
Digital Transformation
Digitization Benefits
Digitization Risks & Barriers
Evidence & Impact
Project Implementation
Technology Solutions
User Experience
Digitization of SACCOs in Uganda: Drivers and Impact Study
Published by
David Nanambi Wayiku & Prisca Adong
2023
Asigma & Mercy Corps
- This impact and learnings report presents outcomes of the collaboration between Mercy Corps and Ensibuuko, which partnered in 2013 to develop and market Ensibuuko Mobile Banking and Information System (MOBIS) to SACCOs. One of the first users of this system was Rukiga SACCO Ltd in Uganda. The study presents the impact that digitization has had on Rukiga SACCO. Two other SACCOs are used as case studies as well. Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) are common in Uganda, but many do not have digital Management Information Systems in place and therefore suffer from a lack of oversight, high operating costs, and a risk of fraud.
- Digitization can provide many benefits, including increased transparency, accountability, improved reporting, increased productivity, and operational efficiency. It can also make it more convenient for members to receive services due to mobile applications.
- To provide a benefit to SACCOs and VSLAs, digitization needs to be accessible and sustainable. High transaction costs and user fees create burdens to SACCOs and VSLAs that make digitization less accessible long term.
- Micro-lending is a promising emerging trend which supports many customers who are typically unable to pay for digital solutions. The belief is that lending empowers members of SACCOs and VSLAs to participate in income generating activities which increases their savings/loans participation which helps the organizations pay for digitization services.
Have you found this Resource useful?
View all comments
Latest Newsletters
Related Resources
Read
Brief
Enabling Women’s Financial Inclusion through Digital Financial Literacy
FinEquity
2021
Enabling Women’s Financial Inclusion through Digital Financial Literacy
This FinEquity brief explores the relationship between digital financial literacy (DFL) and women’s digital financial inclusion. The brief outlines the components, enablers, and challenges to women’s DFL, and demonstrates how the various dimensions of DFL are inter-connected and should not be addressed in isolation. Drawing from the experiences of FinEquity members, the brief explores good […]
Read
Tool
DSG Toolkit: Project Staffing
By Lauren Hendricks, Dennis Mello, Paulina (Paula) Rudnicka
Global Communities, Women for Women International
2022
DSG Toolkit: Project Staffing
This tool includes sample job descriptions (JDs) for key digitization project staff with a focus on knowledge, skills and abilities related to mobile and digital technology as well as gender integration. The tool includes both “Roles and Responsibilities” and “Qualifications,” which can be added to existing JDs to ensure they have adequate skills to support […]
