2017 ICT4D Conference

Most digital financial inclusion (DFS) social enterprises (SE) have perfected, or near perfected their 'reason for being' pitch articulating theory of change to move along the impact value chain from Input-Output-Outcome-Impact (I-O-O-I). DFS SEs are keenly looking at growth model scenarios, implications of growth on financing structures, and access to impact investment among others. We will apply the INSIMA Impact Investment Readiness Framework and utilize a real life BoP FinTech's growth example with an end goal to discuss and share insights into how DFS social businesses can capture value and access impact investment.

Solutions to address financial inclusion can be scaled and accelerated working with FinTechs, and in public-private partnerships to achieve impact. Sustaining those solutions beyond the lifetime of the project can be achieved through strategically pivoting the solution providers to grow their businesses, generate revenue, and attract investment.

We take a Ugandan BoP FinTech's five year journey developing suitable Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) software solution, integrating the SACCO MIS with Mobile Network Operator mobile money environment, including feature phone mobile solutions for savings/deposits, withdrawal, balance checks, and SACCO loan application over USSD platforms. Will focus on the facets that made the co-investment sustainable beyond SDC/Mercy Corps Agri-Fin Mobile Program funding to enable the FinTech grow, attract equity investment, sustainable revenue streams and expansion to international markets.

The learnings point to the key ingredients in identifying scalable BoP solutions, pivoting them to grow, become investment ready and positioning them to be sustainable.