ABSTRACT
Ensuring provision of financial services for the poor will require a broad swathe of interventions. However, these interventions can only be the result of a systematic engagement with the democratic process, by using evidence-based insights. Microfinance, like other development sectors, requires specialised policy attention, as it seeks to establish institutions that can channel resources and services to low-income households. To enable the focus that results in shifts in policy and leads to re-engineering existing institutions, it requires data-driven policymaking. Over the next few pages, we argue the case for that unwavering focus, if we are to achieve the goal of providing inclusive financial services to all our citizens.
