Digital Financial Service Lab

Do you believe that information campaigns hold the potential to enhance digital financial inclusion? Our research indicates they do. A collaborative effort between a2i and IPA (Innovation for Poverty Action) conducted a study to assess the effects of information campaigns on the utilization of digital financial services among vulnerable recipients of cash transfers in Bangladesh. The focus was on individuals receiving social safety net allowances from the Bangladesh Government. The implementation of informational materials such as posters, desk calendars, and videos demonstrated significant improvements in recipients' awareness, comprehension, and utilization of mobile money accounts for government-to-person (G2P) payments. Furthermore, our survey revealed that these straightforward information campaigns, coupled with enhanced agent services, can yield positive outcomes for the recipients.

For those interested in delving deeper, our a2i website now hosts a blog providing succinct yet insightful information. A quick perusal can equip you with essential knowledge on the subject.

https://a2i.gov.bd/a2i-publications/boosting-digital-financial-inclusion-through-information-campaigns-in-bangladesh/

"Ami Probbashi" app in collaboration with the Aspire to Innovate (a2i) programme of the government has trained entrepreneurs of digital centers to enhance services for expatriates.

300 entrepreneurs from across the country were trained on government and BRAC services available on the Ami Probashi platform.

Project Director of a2i, Mr. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan was present as the chief guest while BRAC migration programme head, Shariful Hasan was the special guest at the programme, held at the Dak Bhaban in the capital recently.

The month-long 'Smart Bangladesh: Smart Services Campaign and Smart Services Delivery' at People's Doorsteps, organized by a2i, reached its culmination with the prestigious award ceremony recognizing the outstanding achievements of entrepreneurs from the Digital Center. a2i awarded the Smart Entrepreneurs of Digital Center, presenting crests and financial rewards to the most exceptional entrepreneurs who excelled during the campaign period, from 11th November to 10th December 2022.

In an effort to promote gender equality, one woman and one man from each district were bestowed with this esteemed award as the best entrepreneurs. a2i had nominated a total of 140 male and female entrepreneurs from all across the country for this recognition. Notably, the 'Smart Bangladesh: Smart Service Campaign-2022' was auspiciously inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of State for Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Junaid Ahmed Polok, on the one-year anniversary of the Digital Center, with the aim of extending digital services to the grassroots level.

Throughout the month-long campaign, the entrepreneurs from 8,663 digital centers rendered an impressive total of 78,72,294 e-services. The transactions during this period amounted to approximately 107 crore rupees, with remittances accounting for 67 crore rupees. Furthermore, the campaign facilitated the opening of 51,699 digital bank accounts, including 17,784 accounts for female customers. Additionally, 3,104 individuals with special needs were served, ensuring inclusive access to digital services.