An estimated 1.6 billion individuals in the developing world transact almost entirely in cash. They are mostly low-income wage earners living in rural and urban poor communities with little or no access to traditional financial services.

The growing smartphone penetration in our markets has made digital financial inclusion a game changer. With mobile connectivity, more people are able to access digital and e-wallet services which improves their quality of life. The disruption that digital financial services inclusion brings allow millions of low-income earners to have for the first time, access to nonformal credit assessments, micro credit loans, insurance and money remittance.

As more people have access to digital financial services, they contribute to the local economy and the overall national development. Micro businesses can access loans to expand their operations. Families are financially protected in times of need. Communities are empowered through international remittance from family members.

The agricultural sector is one of the primary economic contributors for countries where we operate. Though small-scale farmers produce nearly 70% of food consumed worldwide, they are often one of the most disadvantaged communities, with little opportunity for higher formal education and access to traditional financial services.

Advancement in digital services is an information and financial bridge to rural communities. It can deliver critical information such as good agricultural practices, online agricultural extension services and updates on market prices that help farmers make informed decisions to boost productivity and profits.

Innovation in digital financial services also allows unbanked smallholders to access financial products and services to grow their business enterprises. Through partnerships with governments and the local supply chain, digitisation of the agriculture ecosystem increases production efficiency and reduces crop waste. As the capabilities of IoT continue to advance, digital services and sensors can help improve labour efficiency and contribute to better production yield.

Education is the bedrock to improving lives of individuals and sustainable development. Major progress has been made in the region towards increasing access to education at all levels and enrolment rates in schools, especially for women and girls. Though basic literacy skills have improved, greater efforts are needed to ensure there is progress towards achieving education for all.

Mobile internet amplifies the impact of technology in learning. Online mobile education makes quality education accessible for all children, especially for those who are poor and living in remote areas. It allows access to the latest information and content to improve the quality of learning. By integrating mobile technologies into classrooms, students have the opportunity to engage and participate, empowering the youth of today for the future.

When women thrive, so do families, societies, businesses and the economy. However, all indications point towards women being left behind in our increasingly connected world, particularly in the rural communities. There are an estimated 184 million fewer women owning a mobile phone compared to men in emerging and developing countries.

Closing the gender gap in mobile internet and mobile money services is critically important to deliver significant socioeconomic benefits to underserved women. Mobile technology and services offer opportunities to access education content, employment, finance and health services. Women have also reported that access to mobile phones give them a sense of empowerment and security.

A number of our OpCos have committed to the GSMA Connected Women Initiative (CWI) which aims to increase women subscribers and close the gender digital divide. Working with local partners, they are developing programmes and services that are relevant to their local context to empower women.