This report offers insights from the pilot of DreamSave conducted in 2021-22 by TechnoServe and DreamStart Labs among 40 savings groups in the Zou, Collines and Borgou Departments in the Benin Republic. This included 31 pre-existing savings groups (“paper-to-digital”) and 9 newly formed groups (“born-digital”).

• TechnoServe observed both successes and challenges to the DreamSave app. Groups were comfortable moving to an all-digital process, meeting times were significantly reduced, participants could keep better track of their financial goals, and it was easier to enforce policies and recordkeeping accuracy. The challenges included limited internet coverage and gender dynamics surrounding smartphone use.
• Digital literacy of staff and participants is a huge factor in the effectiveness of rolling out an app like the DreamSave. Resources on sites like the Digital Savings Group Hub can be hugely beneficial to project rollout.