Research has shown the most effective way to significantly expand lower-income populations’ access to formal financial services is through a digital channel, and the optimal digital channel is the cell phone. In Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria, nine in 10 adults have mobile phone and SIM card access. Comparing FII countries, more mobile phone users in Africa use their phones for advanced services than do those in Asia. The least likely groups to own mobile phones across FII countries are females, rural residents, and the poor, which is a barrier to digital financial services uptake. As more people across the globe begin to use mobile phones and digital financial services, providers will have a wider opportunity to know their customers digitally and offer them products better suited to their needs.
Mobile Phones Access and Ownership
Ownership by Demographic
Use of Mobile Phones for Advanced Functions
True or false
The use of financial services accounts, especially mobile money accounts, is dependent on access to mobile phones and the ability to send and receive texts.
True or false
In 1973, Motorola was the first company to develop a prototype for the handheld mobile phone.
True or false
In all FII countries, adult males dominate mobile phone and SIM card ownership.
True or false
In Uganda, those who are more likely to use their phones for advanced services are those living above the poverty line and urban residents.
True or false
Among FII countries, Uganda has the lowest percentages of adults who own a mobile phone and SIM card.