In recent years across the Pacific, significant investments have been made in core digital infrastructure such as the various under-sea fibre optic cables and national governments are prioritizing the increase of digital connectivity. While there is big potential for a rapidly developing digital economy to positively impact many lives in the Pacific, and while COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a catalyst for digitization, the other side of the same coin is an increase risk of leaving behind the most vulnerable of Pacific societies.

It is against this background that the UN system - through a joint programme between UNCDF, UNDP and UNCTAD, and in close collaboration with key stakeholders from public and private sector - aim to support the development of inclusive digital economies in the Pacific specifically in Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.

Inclusive digital economies that allow rural communities, women, labour mobility workers, and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises to enhance market participation, that will result in poverty reduction, improved livelihoods and economic growth. This programme document outlines these ambitions in enhancing people's access to basic services through digital devices and channels with a view to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Digital Financial Literacy Survey Portal

The rapid development and increasing reach of digital platforms for financial products and services provides great potential for better mechanisms for those considered “left behind” in a changing world to access and use new tools for economic development. However, a lack of current data on digital and digital financial knowledge and competencies, particularly in the Pacific region, means that developing targeted data-based interventions can be difficult. To fill the data gap, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and Tebbutt Research implemented a lean digital and financial literacy survey (DFL survey) in six Pacific countries and Timor-Leste in 2022 and 2023, which resulted in findings that provide a baseline as well as information to be used by policy makers, development practitioners and financial service providers to better target low-income and underserved clients.

This publication contributes to UNCDF’s theory of change which focuses on leveraging data and evidence-based programming to create sustainable impact:

1. The surveys fill a critical knowledge gap, the publication will offer comparable data on digital financial access and literacy, helping stakeholders design better-targeted policies and services.
2. The findings will equip governments, financial institutions, and development partners with the data to improve their digital financial inclusion strategies.
3. The insights will inform policy adjustments, enabling more effective frameworks that promote inclusive digital financial services.
4. The data-driven evidence will guide strategic investments in digital financial services, especially for underserved populations, boosting capital flows to impactful initiatives.
5. The survey report will act as a tool for monitoring and refining progress towards inclusive digital financial transformation, ensuring resources are effectively allocated.

Visit www.uncdf.org/publications to find reports for Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Timor Leste, and Vanuatu. 

The full survey dashboard is available here.