Innovation Fund

Investment Inclusivity

The GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation © GSMA 2025

This work has been funded by UK International
Development from the UK government and is
supported by the GSMA and its members.
The views expressed do not necessarily reflect
the UK government’s official policies.
Contents
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee Conclusions

GeoKrishi
Lumkani
TaskMoby
Ensibuuko

01 02 03 04 05
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Introduction
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Introduction Evaluation questions

Impact
• To what extent have GSMAIF
The purpose of this study is to alumnae contributed to employment
scope* the socioeconomic impact Relevance generation, poverty reduction, and
of the GSMA Innovation Fund. • How has the mobile ecosystem improved income and livelihoods?
supported the GSMAIF alumni to • Who have been the final, end-user
This includes: reach social goals? recipients of the work of a selection
• Exploring the Fund’s long-term impact on • How can SMEs working in the digital of GSMA’s innovation fund grants?
poverty alleviation, enhanced livelihoods space can contribute to various
and job creation, with a focus on • How have these users’ livelihoods
development outcomes, and what been impacted by the work of the
vulnerable populations. barriers to digital uptake are there? grantees?
• Taking a case study approach. Five
grantees initially selected, but only four • What characteristics make start-ups
case studies completed due to privacy more likely to contribute to poverty
constraints preventing access to users’ reduction, including job creation and
Sustainability
personal details. livelihoods strengthening?
• Covering cross-cutting themes of gender, • What has influenced the sustainability
poverty, mobile connectivity and adoption, of the results of the GSMAIF’s
and youth, rural and urban differentiation. grantees?
Synthetic
*A scoping study is not an evaluation. Acknowledging the
limited baseline data, the absence of counterfactuals, and the • How could the Innovation Fund
fact that employment and poverty not explicit objectives of strengthen its ability to reach and
the Innovation Fund.
positively affect populations living in
poverty?
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

The study included four Innovation Fund grantees

COUNTRY COUNTRY COUNTRY COUNTRY

Nepal South Africa Ethiopia Uganda

MODEL MODEL MODEL MODEL

Climate-smart agricultural Smart fire alarms and low-cost App-based platform Providing digital banking
advice to smallholder farmers insurance for people living in connecting home service services to underserved
via SMS and mobile app. information settlements. providers with customers. communities, helping savings
organisations.
GRANT DETAILS GRANT DETAILS GRANT DETAILS
Received grant during the Received funding under the Supported under the GRANT DETAILS
2022 climate resilience and GSMA M4H Innovation Fund Ecosystem Accelerator Received three grants under
adaptation round. Round 1: Disaster Response in Programme and Accelerated different IF rounds between
2018. Growth Round of the IF. 2018 and 2024.
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Methodology
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Methodology

Telephone Key Informant Focus Group Desk In-depth Interviews

Surveys Interviews (KIIs) Discussions (FGDs) Reviews (where applicable)
• 20~30-minute surveys • 3-day visit to • 3 FGDs per grantee with • Evidence and data from • More personal
with 400 - 1,000 stakeholders relevant to different types of users existing documentation and unstructured,
respondents per the grantees and their and agents and the literature allowing for a deeper
grantee ecosystem exploration of individual
• Information: deeper • Information: additional
perspectives.
• Information: • Information: ecosystem insights about survey context, experience
demographics, user barriers, enabling and results, exploring wider from other SMEs in the
experience, impact, influencing factors, impact(s) digital space
challenges and enablers sustainability
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings
01 02 03 04
Users tend to be from Innovation Fund grantees Digital and mobile Job creation is limited,
economically vulnerable improve livelihoods technology is an with low rates of
communities. and increase financial important pathway, but quality and dignified
This was consistent for all resilience across user offline engagement is employment.
grantees included in the study. bases. critical for impact. While there is evidence of
While the study confirms that While all users reported improved While digital innovations play improved livelihoods and
users draw from lower economic livelihoods and a sense of a critical role in all solutions increased resilience, there is
groups, they are not from the financial security, the most included in the IFII study, limited evidence that these efforts
lowest socioeconomic quintiles. significant impact is the tangible offline engagement is critical have resulted in the creation
This is to be expected, as boost to users’ resilience that to onboarding new users and of dignified and valuable jobs.
Innovation Fund grantees require comes from increased asset ensuring that existing users Where jobs are being created,
access to, at the very least, a security (Lumkani), and the remain active on grantee they are often highly valued
mobile phone to engage with ability to access information and platforms. This often takes the because of high unemployment
services, and a degree of digital financial services that can support form of identifying first-time users rates. A positive impact is the
literacy to use them. income generation (Ensibuuko, (Lumkani, GeoKrishi, Ensibuuko, increased consistency of income.
GeoKrishi). TaskMoby), and training users on However, several risks and
how to access and use services unintended consequences must
(GeoKrishi, Ensibuuko, TaskMoby). be considered: the absence of
formal contracts, low wages, and
worker safety concerns, all of
which limit the overall benefits of
these jobs.
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Overarching Finding: Percentage of surveyed users who have never used a similar

Digital solutions service before

84%
address real gaps 81%

for users, but face

structural constraints 23%
31%

• Grantees are filling important gaps in financial services, Ensibuuko GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby
agricultural advisory, gig work, and disaster risk reduction,
offering solutions where traditional service providers are
lacking.
• A high proportion of users across all grantees had not Average user-rated satisfaction with service (1-10)
previously accessed similar products, suggesting these
services are expanding access and inclusion.
• Deepening and sustaining impact is constrained by 8.6
8
ecosystem factors like connectivity gaps, complex regulations 7.5 7.2
and economic challenges.

Addressing these constraints requires not only supporting

digital innovation but also improving the broader ecosystem in
which these services operate.

Ensibuuko GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby

 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Economic benefits Survey data showed economic benefits were mostly

due to improved financial stability and reduced risk.

focused on reducing
vulnerability, rather than
generating wealth
While 75% of users reported feeling financially better off after
83%
of users saw
81%
of users saw
accessing the product or service, the main impact mechanism was increased income increased income
improved financial stability and reduced risk, rather than improving
resilience:
• GeoKrishi helped farmers avoid losses through better weather
forecasting and pest control advice, but this did not always translate
into higher profits.
• Ensibuuko enhanced security by increasing access to savings and
credit, but business growth impact varied.

66% 60%
• Lumkani’s fire detection system reduced financial shocks by
preventing losses from fires, but did not necessarily increase wealth
accumulation.
• TaskMoby helped 60% of workers transition to more stable of users reported fire of users found more
employment, often in the vulnerable post-TVET career phase. prevention or mitigation stable employment
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Findings by Grantee

GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko

Nepal South Africa Ethiopia Uganda
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

GeoKrishi
Nepal
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Brief overview of GeoKrishi

GeoKrishi is Nepal’s first fully integrated, data-driven digital agriculture platform designed to help
remove the financial, technical and cultural barriers preventing farmers from accessing and using
information to improve farm productivity and maximise profitability.
The GSMA supported GeoKrishi to upgrade their existing system to expand the reach of their
bundled smart agricultural solutions. The GSMA grant was also used to build a sustainable public-
private-community business model by engaging closely with local government, local service
providers and farmer cooperatives.

Context Service
Nepal frequently experiences prolonged GeoKrishi provides an intelligent digital
drought and floods bushfire, landslides, cold agriculture platform, built to solve
and heat waves, plant and animal diseases, challenges faced by commercial and
water logging in agricultural fields1, all of smallholder farmers. GeoKrishi applies a
which result in considerable loss of life and data-driven system approach to translate
property among vulnerable population. In the knowledge into actionable, timely and
last five years, late onset and ending periods context-specific advisories, covering all
of monsoon suggest a general shift in rainfall stages of the crop value chain.
by 15 days.
Without technical understanding or advice,
smallholder farmers in Nepal are unable
to respond to the risks of climate change.
Extension services, climate-smart tools and
technologies are often inefficient and not
tailored to the changing climate.

1. Mainali J, and Pricope, N.(2017) High-resolution spatial assessment of population vulnerability to climate change in Nepal. Applied Geography; Dahal, P, et al. (2020)
Modeling the future impacts of climate change on water availability in the Karnali River Basin of Nepal Himalaya. Environmental Research.
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

A snapshot of GeoKrishi’s users

GeoKrishi primarily serves lower- to middle-income farmers, many of whom are subsistence or small-
scale commercial growers. While users tend to have slightly higher education levels and smartphone
access than national averages, they still face economic vulnerabilities. Many rely on farming as a key
income source, often supplemented by financial support from family members working abroad.

Socioeconomic status Education Land ownership

GeoKrishi’s users are typically from GeoKrishi’s users tended to 47.5% of users farm for subsistence,
somewhat vulnerable population groups. be slightly better off than rather than commercially. Crucially,
21% of women and 21% of men were national averages, with 73% of respondents either own
below the 200% PPI national poverty line. higher education levels (89% or rent land. This is above Nepal’s
This is slightly above Nepal’s national of all respondents, and 85% national average. Users cultivated an
averages, using the mutlidimensional of women have completed average of 16.4 acres of land (men
poverty index. According to the 2021 secondary education). farm 22.5 acres, compared to 10.5
census, 20.3% of Nepal’s population is acres for women).
below the poverty line.

Most users are subsistence or small-

Income contribution
Phone ownership scale commercial farmers who
GeoKrishi played a key role rely on both farming revenue and
99% of GeoKrishi users owned a financial support from family, often
in income upliftment, with
smartphone, a pre-requisite to use the male relatives working abroad - a
62% of respondents saying it
app. This is significantly higher than common trend in Nepal, where 23.4%
significantly contributed to
Nepal’s national average (57%). of households have a family member
their earnings.
employed overseas (2021 Census).1

1. [Link]
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings Geokrishi usage Hyperlocal services

patterns are the most valuable
Agents and skill Core base of active users: • Weather forecasting
building remain • Women (55%) and men (56%) • Pest, crop and animal illness

important factors in reported weekly app use.

• Respondents had used GeoKrishi for
identification and support
• Fertiliser guidance
ongoing usage an average of 24 months.
• Users accessed services online or via
the app, using WIFI or mobile data.

Barriers to use
Agents are critical Technical challenges
in onboarding 32% of respondents who are no
new and keeping longer using the app said that this
existing users. was because of technical issues.
• Agent training as a first • Network bandwidth and • Delays in expert
point of engagement. speed made it hard to responses undermined
watch video advisory the use of identification
content. support.
• Updates made the app • Local dialects are not
challenging for some users. incorporated into the app.
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings Users tell a story

of incremental, but
meaningful change 76%
of users reported an
Support provided through GeoKrishi’s increased income since
app helped farmers to small scale using GeoKrishi
improvements in their yields. As
most users were subsistence farmers,
the additional income was a valuable

78%
supplement, rather than the primary
source of income. Even a small boost
GeoKrishi creates in yield, along with the subsequent
income, allowed users to build a
hyperlocal, financial cushion, strengthening their of users said the stability
of their household’s
sustainable impact resilience to economic and climate
shocks, enabling them to plan for and income has improved

By providing precise information invest in their families’ futures.

- specific to crops, soil conditions,
fertilisers, and local weather -
GeoKrishi equips farmers with
actionable knowledge that improves
their livelihoods. This uniquely
relevant support meets farmers where
64%
reported improved
they are, ensuring they get the right resilience to economic
information at the right time. shocks
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings
Digital technology GeoKrishi Services Results Outcome Impact

means that users can

access data where Support for
they are, with no diseased
crops and pest
additional cost identification

Crop protection
GeoKrishi provided users with services and adaptation
that are specific to their contexts at a reduced
that they can access without the cost
cost of travelling to another town or Weather Moderate yield Increased
commercial centre. Digital technology forecasting and improvement resilience
facilitated access to expert advice, early warnings and income and financial
advisory content, and localised boost security
information from their farms. This Crop protection,
provided users with the information and anticipation
they needed to drive small, but tangible of climate
increases in yields. shocks
Hyper local skills
and information
on crop strains
and fertiliser
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Lumkani
South Africa
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Brief overview of Lumkani

Lumkani is a social enterprise with a mission to mitigate the loss of life and
property caused by fires in informal settlements in South Africa and across
the globe.

Lumkani offers two unique services:

Fire detectors Fire insurance

The Lumkani fire detectors are a first of its In partnership with Hollard, Lumkani offers
kind networked fire detectors, specifically a micro-insurance scheme that provides
designed with informal settlements in fire cover, along with funeral cover for
mind. The devices uses the rate of rising homes and businesses within the informal
temperature to detect fires. The sensors settlements.
are designed to differentiate between
the rise in temperature due to cooking,
heating, or smoking versus an actual fire.
When a fire occurs within a household, the
fire detector sets off an alarm to alert the
household members, and at the same time
sends an alert to neighbouring households
within a 60-meter radius. This triggers
awareness throughout nearby households
to identify the fire and react before
damage is caused.
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Overview of Lumkani’s users

Lumkani’s users are representative of residents of the
informal settlements in South Africa.

How do users engage with

Socioeconomic status
Lumkani services?
Most Lumkani users lived in peri-urban informal
settlements, with 76% residing in Cape Town’s
outskirts - Lumkani’s target market. They fall
68% of respondents have fire insurance.
Despite distrust in insurance,
Lumkani users valued it due to its
within the lowest two socioeconomic quintiles,
uniqueness in the market and proven
with most in the second quintile, living within
payouts within their communities.
40% of the poverty line.

30%
of respondents have used
their fire detectors.
Employment Internet access

Despite high unemployment in South Africa,

61.5% of Lumkani users were employed in
Over 75% of South Africans have
internet access, with 69.4% using
20% have claimed fire
insurance.

some capacity, including 64% of women. mobile devices.2 Lumkani users

51%
of respondents no longer use their
This aligns with Lumkani’s subscription primarily accessed the internet via fire detectors due to fire damage,
model, as usage drops to 53% among the mobile phones, with some using relocation, repurposing batteries, or
unemployed. home WIFI. changing SIM cards, which stopped
Lumkani alert SMSs.

2. StatsSA, General HouseHold Survey 2023

 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings
Lumkani drives resilience, Among respondents
who believe Lumkani’s
supporting social mobility system reduces fire
incidents and damage,
and future investment 63% reported feeling
more secure. This
• Fires are common in informal settlements due to the increased to 70%
use of paraffin stoves, open flames, unsafe wiring, and
overcrowding. Alcohol use and arson also contribute,
among those who had
while strong winds make containment difficult. In experienced a fire.
2024, 141 people died in ‘shack’ fires, while 34 fatalities
occurred in backyard dwellings - informal homes on
the same property as formal houses “If my house were to burn
• Lumkani offers a vital service, combining fire detection
and insurance to protect users. The insurance acts as
down without Lumkani
a safety net, allowing users to plan, invest, and pursue I would be left without
economic mobility, without the risk of losing everything nothing, no home and no Among those who
to a fire.
• If disaster does strike and users experience loss from a
furniture” felt more secure,
fire, they are more resilient than those who don’t have 59% were more
access to the insurance package because they are able “We can’t live without confident in investing
to claim funds to rebuild.
Lumkani, it’s our only after using Lumkani.
This rose to 65%
hope if everything burns” among users who had
Focus Group Discussion participant: Users experienced a fire.
Cape Town, South Africa
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings
Agents value employment in an unstable
environment, but experience challenges Agents receive a discount
on fire cover, and experience
Lumkani employs agents to recruit and onboard new clients, conduct the same impacts from the
initial assessments and record users’ assets, and assess fire insurance insurance as users
claims. Agents are critical to both identifying and recruiting new clients,
and to verifying fire insurance claims.

Securing stable income Impact of job creation is limited Stable and consistent
Agents live in the same informal While agents value their work with income is valuable
settlements as the users they serve. In Lumkani, their base salary is low.
South Africa, the unemployment rate They earn a small fixed salary plus
stands at 32%, rising to 49% among commission, but only if clients make
young women,3 with unemployment payments. Despite handling insurance
Low and variable pay,
rates higher in informal settlements. claim assessments, their earnings remain
During focus group discussions, agents minimal. Agents must also rent-to-own a dependent on client
highlighted the difficulty of securing Lumkani-provided smartphone and cover payments
stable employment. Lumkani offers a their own data costs. In South Africa’s
dependable source of income without high-crime areas, carrying valuables like
the added expense of regular transport. smartphones poses security risks. Agents
Notably, 75% of agents reported that expressed concerns about the lack of Security risks with
Lumkani was a significant contributor to support from Lumkani if they are robbed limited support
their earnings. or attacked on duty.

3. Stats SA, 2024

 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

TaskMoby
Ethiopia
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Overview of TaskMoby
TaskMoby is an Ethiopian digital marketplace that connects people with home
service professionals such as cleaners, plumbers, and electricians. Developed and
run through Innovation Fund grantee Africa 118, TaskMoby aims to connect skilled
workers from the informal sector with customers.

Context Platform
Ethiopia is facing both an urban and youth The platform is powered by a mobile app
unemployment challenge. It is estimated and USSD. This entailed development
that the unemployment rate in Addis of an Android App and service provider
Ababa remains above 17% while at the recruitment/onboarding, development
national level, youth unemployment is of USSD Platform with active service
estimated at nearly 27%.4 providers and users, as well as the
development of a mobile based skills
Service training module, in addition to mobile
money payment integration.
Through its digital and mobile platform,
TaskMoby aims to create a level playing
field where service providers and informal
workers are selected for local jobs and
tasks based on merit. The platform allows
verified service providers to earn a stable
income by connecting them efficiently
with customers looking for their services.

4. [Link]
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

A snapshot of TaskMoby’s users

The platform primarily serves an

90.5%
Among respondents, only 13%
educated user base that is well-equipped of men and 21% of women fall
to leverage digital skills and participate below the PPI national poverty
in the gig economy. Compared to the line - significantly lower than of respondents had completed secondary
national average, users have higher levels the 68% national average education or higher. This compared to a
of education, better internet access, and recorded in 2019. national secondary school completion rate
greater smartphone ownership. of 12.5%.

31% of respondents are economically

95%
vulnerable. Given TaskMoby’s focus on of respondents had regular access to the
recruiting university students, this trend is internet. This is much higher than the national
expected, but it also shapes user behaviour average, where (as of 2023) 16.7% of the
and the platform’s overall impact. Ethiopian population access the internet.

While these users are not classified as “poor”, 52%

such individuals are highly susceptible to of TaskMoby users in the sample work as
shocks such as inflation, irregular work, and agents (for DSTV and similar companies), of
health emergencies - common challenges in which 20% work in sales. These users are sub-
Ethiopia’s informal economy. contracted to bigger companies.
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings
Users access TaskMoby’s platform using the app,
USSD, via phone and through agents
While digital technology is a core
Respondents had used part of TaskMoby’s offering, it’s not
TaskMoby for an average the most valuable component to
of 10 months. Of those users.
that are active on the app, Although TaskMoby operates as an
app-based platform, users primarily
46% checked There is a high translation from
app usage to securing work;
viewed it as an employment
agency rather than a tech-driven
the app once service. A significant portion of
nearly 74% of service recruitment occured offline or
per day. providers reported through social media. In focus
groups, users reported discovering
having found stable job opportunities via physical
work through advertisements at universities or
in their communities, as well as
TaskMoby. Men through Telegram and word of
reported a slightly mouth.
higher success rate Reflecting this perception, only
32% of respondents accessed the
than women. platform online or through the
app, while 48% engaged via USSD,
phone calls, or agents.
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings Access to stable New skills

TaskMoby has connected over 5,600 opportunities
Gender & Location
Gender & Location

gig workers to longer-term employment, 88.2% 86.8%

94.4% 95.5%

which has helped young workers 75.5%

78.5%

transition into more stable employment​

71.8%

• TaskMoby creates valuable job opportunities for a relatively inexperienced 49.5%

group - university graduates and young people entering the workforce. This has
a significant impact, especially in Ethiopia, where youth unemployment stands at
23%. In 2022, approximately 42% of university graduates were unemployed after
completing their studies.
• The platform’s key impact lies in the consistency of income it provides. While
earnings may not always be life-changing, 53% of respondents reported an income Female Male Addis Other Female Male Addis Other

increase after using the platform - slightly higher among women - while 27%
saw no change or a decrease. While users may not view these jobs as long-term
careers, their role as a stepping stone is significant. In fact, 27% of respondents
identified increased access to job opportunities as the biggest benefit of TM. In
focus groups, some participants noted that the platform helped them move from
92%
of respondents say that
71%
of respondents say
unstable informal work to more structured employment. Regardless of the amount
earned, the stability of income enabled users to search for other jobs, expand TaskMoby positively that TaskMoby has
their businesses, or invest in skills development. Users noted increased financial impacts their livelihoods a positive impact on
independence through TM jobs, with some using their earnings to invest in small their employment
businesses or household assets. opportunities
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings
While TaskMoby connects The income is good when you We’ve asked for IDs for

young people to valuable work, make sales, but there are times
you don’t sell anything. You
years, but nothing. Without
proof of employment, we
the quality of jobs is variable have to walk very long distances
because you don’t have money
can’t even defend ourselves
if arrested or seek better
for transport. If you don’t sell, you job.
• Despite the impact, users are clear that employment through have zero income. Focus Group Discussion participant -
Adama
TaskMoby is temporary and comes with some challenges. Focus Group Discussion participant - Adama

• In situations where TaskMoby is essentially subcontracting

to other companies (e.g. DSTV) there were risks to users.
They mention in FGDs how they have no IDs, with several users My job as a DSTV field sales agent with
saying that they have experienced cases where their decoders Eziti Technology is demanding but I
were confiscated because people don’t think that they have the see it as a valuable steppingstone. It
right to sell, and they have even been questioned by the police. is commission-based with low base
Women in particular felt at risk. Users also shared that they salary, and the benefits don’t match
lacked protection from TM for workplace injuries. the effort required. However, it is giving
me experience and an income as I
• Users typically do not receive contracts. No benefits or had nothing to do after failing grade
insurance were offered through TM. Given that TM is a form of 12 examination. That said, I see this
a gig economy platform this should not be required, however only as a springboard—I won’t stay a
when sub-contracting employees to bigger companies this can day longer once a better opportunity
be problematic. comes my way.
Focus Group Discussion participant - Addis Ababa
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Ensibuuko
Uganda
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Overview of Ensibuuko
Ensibuuko provides digital skills training and drives financial inclusion through their
digital ledger platform and access to affordable and relevant mobile products for
Village Saving and loan Associations (VSLAs) in rural communities.

Context Service
Rural customers, particularly Ensibuuko’s mission is to drive financial inclusion
women, are often excluded by growing the developing world’s digital financial
from mainstream financial infrastructure. ​
services. Savings groups
​ hey deploy technology solutions to community-based
T
tend to rely on paper record-
savings and loans organisations to efficiently reach and
keeping and operate on
serve unbanked and underserved communities in Africa
traditional, non-digital systems
with affordable and relevant financial services.
that are unconnected to the
larger financial ecosystem.
Savings groups need to utilise Platform
digital solutions to advance Since 2014, Ensibuuko has been transforming traditional,
the financial inclusion of the paper-based savings models used by Savings and
communities they serve, but Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) and VSLAs in rural
the limited access to mobile Uganda by introducing digital financial services. The
handsets and lack of knowledge initiative reduces the need for physical meetings,
about relevant digital products smooths transactions, and enhances transparency
and services and the skills while minimising disputes - thereby helping to bridge
required to use them are major the rural-urban development gap. Ensibuuko has
barriers for rural customers to successfully deployed a USSD platform and, more
adopt internet services.​ recently, launched a mobile app.
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

A snapshot of Ensibuuko’s users

Ensibuuko’s user base is mostly financially included. Among SACCO USSD users, 86% reported
having a formal bank account, with no gender difference. For VSLA app users, 61% reported
having a bank account, with women slightly less likely to do so than men. Ensibuuko’s users
tend to be older than the national average, with an average age of 37.

Smartphone ownership Geography Education

On average, households owned 51% of respondents live in rural areas.

65.6% of respondents had
1.5 smartphones, with only 12.5% VSLA app users are predominantly
completed high school, with
of respondents reporting no based in rural areas, with only 26% living
slightly higher rates among
smartphone access. Additionally, in urban locations. In contrast, 55% of
women (68.9%) compared
43.8% of respondents shared SACCO USSD users reside in urban
to men (64.2%). VSLA
smartphones within their areas, increasing slightly to 59% for
Secretaries had notably lower
households. SACCO app users.
education levels, with only
35.8% completing high school.
SACCO app users had the
Socioeconomic status highest education levels, with
83.7% having completed high
While the user base is economically vulnerable, only 3.9% of school or above.
respondents live below the national poverty line, compared
to a national average of 20.3%. This rises to 25.6% at the 200%
national poverty line.
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings
Ensibuuko enjoys high user retention, underpinned by
digital and financial literacy training and support
Respondents used Ensibuuko’s apps for an Ensibuuko has widened access and use of its apps through
average of 25 months (VSLA app) and 27 months digital and financial literacy training, and the provision of
(SACCO USD). 57% of users accessed services phones preloaded with Mobis.
once per week or less. This is likely because the • Focus group discussions indicated that NGO programs,
VSLA app is used for regular VSLA meetings, such as those run by Danish Church Aid and Seed Effect
which may happen weekly or monthly. Ensibuuko Uganda, have helped users access smartphones with the
is effectively filling a gap in digital financial Mobis app. This enabled them to track savings, manage
services, particularly for VSLAs where 70.8% of loans, maintain digital records, and market agricultural
Secretaries are first-time users of such tools. In products. While SACCO staff reported increasing
comparison, the SACCO market is more saturated, smartphone access, many services still rely on feature
with over 80% of SACCO users having prior phones. Limited electricity access remains a challenge,
experience with similar products. with initiatives like solar charging kits from the Ministry
We received trainings not
of Finance and Brightlife’s distribution of 500 solar kits
only once but four times
70%
helping improve mobile adoption in underserved areas.
and after receiving the
• Financial and digital literacy are also key. Among training, we used the phone
of VSLA app users said that they did not respondents, 71% have attended trainings offered by for two years but then we
have access to similar services before Ensibuuko or its partners, with participation highest among re-installed the Mobis app
Ensibuuko. For SACCO app users this VSLA app users (88%). These trainings cover both digital on our phones.
figure drops to 15% of USSD users, and and financial skills. Participants reported that financial
Focus Group Discussion participant,
19% of SACCO app users training improved their business management and savings, VSLA UserAura-Western Uganda
while digital skills helped some bring their businesses
online.
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings
When I started using this app,
Both the VSLA app and USSD service my fellow members became my
customers and that is how I get
improves users’ financial management my money privately apart from
the savings due to the Ensibuuko
and encourages trust in transactions app. For example, there are some
members who work in Kampala.
Ensibuuko supports improved financial management Digitising transactions improved transparency After seeing and checking in their
Users of both the Mobis app and USSD platform have and trust for VSLA groups smart phones, they log in the Mobis
improved control over their savings, planning, and For VSLA groups, the digital ledger enhanced account, they download that app
budgeting, with 92% reporting better management trust in financial processes by introducing and monitor their savings, they begin
of savings and loans. In focus groups, users transparency through access to the app. trusting me because I am using the
indicated improved accounting, budgeting and loan Digital transactions have reduced fraud and app. And believe I am a good person,
management skills. Digital savings have helped mismanagement of group funds, fostering now they become my customers.
members track expenses more effectively, curb greater trust among members (leading to greater That is how I indirectly do my
unnecessary spending, and prioritise financial goals. engagement in business with each other) and de- business to and earn some money.
For those who had loans, Mobis’ automated payment risking the app. Focus Group Discussion participant, VSLA User -
reminders helped loan holders stay on track with Aura-Western Uganda
repayments, reducing default risks. Convenience of digital transactions for users
SACCO app users benefited from time savings
and improved access to funds. Focus group
participants emphasised the convenience of
52% of respondents said the app
contributes significantly to the
overall finances of the VSLA
transferring money digitally rather than visiting
branches, along with the advantage of accessing
their accounts on weekends and public holidays.
However, some users were reluctant to pay
transfer fees, opting instead for in-person
transactions.
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Key Findings
Ensibuuko smooths users’ access to formal
credit and capital
Digitising transactions creates pathways for Accessing formal credit and building savings
users to access formal credit enabled users to invest in businesses,
Perhaps the biggest impact of the service transformative assets, and in their children.
was enabling access to formal credit for This improved financial resilience and
people who were previously unable to access livelihoods.
formal loans. For VSLA groups the digital Users primarily invested their savings or
ledger of transactions were used as proof of business income in livestock (e.g., goats
financial stability to secure bank loans. 89% of and cows), starting or expanding business At one time, we went to Equity Bank
respondents said that Ensibuuko’s digital credit activities, expanding farming activities and because as a group, we wanted a loan,
history increased their chances of accessing paying school fees. Women were more likely we told these people that we are doing
loans. These loans facilitated investment in than men to invest in family-related costs, such our savings and how we are supported by
assets and businesses, with Ensibuuko playing as school fees. Respondents also highlighted Ensibuuko. We also told them how we save
a key role in making this possible. 90% of the importance of building a savings cushion with the app plus other things. We wanted
respondents, across the VSLA app, SACCO to strengthen their financial resilience against some money to improve on our businesses
app, and USSD platform said that Ensibuuko unexpected shocks and crises. and indeed they gave us the money. The use
had supported them to start or grow a of Ensibuuko has helped us a lot, we got
business. Bank loans are a crucial factor in that loan and right now we are financing it
investing in collective or individual businesses,
or in significant assets. Accessing formal credit
92% and we are doing well. So, I am advising my
fellow members that we should not leave
reduced reliance on high-interest informal of users across all product types said that this app, it’s so helpful.
loans. the Ensibuuko app had improved their Focus Group Discussion participant, VSLA UserAura-
access to savings or loans Western Uganda
Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Conclusions
 Introduction Methodology Key Findings Findings by Grantee GeoKrishi Lumkani TaskMoby Ensibuuko Conclusions

Conclusions All grantees’ innovations are

reaching populations that face
Grantees had wider effects on
market dynamics and policy
Digital and mobile innovations
facilitated improved outcomes
barriers to financial inclusion and conversations beyond their for users, however, the study
Innovation Fund economic opportunity. However, users. GeoKrishi is working with highlighted that digital tools act
economic impact depends on the Ministry of Agriculture on as a helpful boost rather than
grantees’ solutions users’ ability to leverage digital technology-driven agricultural the main driver of change. They
have contributed to solutions, and impact differed solutions and providing real- are most useful when they speed
between groups. Ensibuuko, time data and insights to aid in up processes that save users
improved livelihoods Lumkani, and GeoKrishi users decision making. Ensibuuko played time and cost, provide important
and poverty were representative of similar a key role in shaping the Parish information (like GeoKrishi), or
population groups in Uganda, Development Model in Uganda. improve access to services and
reduction, among South Africa, and Nepal. These They are now collaborating with transparency around processes
other socioeconomic users Airtel to engage policymakers (like Ensibuuko). However, for
on reducing mobile transaction some grantees, digital tools
impacts. taxes and streamlining regulations. haven’t played as big a role in
Economic benefits were primarily
Lumkani’s insurance model creating impact as expected
in reducing vulnerability and
demonstrated the viability of (TaskMoby and Lumkani).
increasing resilience rather than
low-cost, digital-first risk
generating wealth. While 75% of
management.
users reported feeling financially Grantees and their solutions don’t
better off after accessing the operate in a vacuum. Ecosystem
product or service, the main constraints, including digital
impact mechanism was improving literacy and taxation, competition,
financial stability and reducing risk and trust in digital services,
and increasing financial resilience, influence the extent to which
rather than increasing earnings. digital solutions can generate
sustained impact.
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