What happens when communities no longer trust data collectors? This piece explores why M&E can struggle in contexts of distrust – and how building trust, using ethical data practices and creating community feedback loops can lead to better evidence.

New FinScope South Africa 2025 findings reveal how rising living costs are reshaping borrowing, saving and financial behaviour. Read the full media release and explore the latest insights.

As South Africa marks National Savings Month, new findings from the FinScope Consumer South Africa 2025 Survey reveal that rising living costs are placing increasing pressure on household finances.

The FinScope SA 2024 results highlighted key financial inclusion trends ahead of the 2025 Responsible Finance Forum.

Johannesburg, 20 May 2025, FinMark Trust releases the 2024 results of its annual FinScope Consumer South Africa study, revealing a stark reality: despite high levels of financial inclusion, millions of South Africans are struggling to make ends meet.

Two Decades of Financial Progress Amid Economic Challenges

Ahead of launching the FinScope South Africa Consumer Survey 2024 at the upcoming Responsible Finance Forum 2025 in Johannesburg, guest authors from FinMark Trust provide a historical perspective on the survey’s first 20 years.

Johannesburg, 16 September 2024 – The FinScope MSME South Africa 2024 Survey, launched recently in a virtual event hosted by FinMark Trust, provides critical insights into the evolving Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector

FinScope MSME South Africa 2024 Presentation

The presentation by Abel Motsomi, Senior Data and Analytics Specialist at FinMark Trust covers the latest findings tracks the progress of sector developments and financial inclusion in South Africa using the FinScope MSME 2020 as a benchmark.

The launch of the FinScope MSME South Africa 2024 results unveiled the most recent insights into the key challenges and advancements in financial inclusion and sector development for MSMEs in South Africa.

For small businesses in township communities, digital payments do more than reduce the costs of doing business and improve record-keeping. They also open access to other wider financial services, make transactions more convenient.

R175,000 raised. More entrepreneurs set to benefit. Discover how our crowdfunding campaign will help GBL participants turn livelihood plans into real opportunities – and what happens next.

Counting account access is not enough. Real financial inclusion asks whether women can make decisions, control resources and use financial services in ways that strengthen their economic agency and participation.

Financial literacy works best when grounded in everyday realities. Explore how practical learning, trusted support and digital tools can drive meaningful financial behaviour change.

2026 SADC Financial Inclusion Forum Report

Marking 10 years of the Forum, delegates from 14 member states convened at the SARB in Pretoria to review a decade of progress — from 50% to 75% inclusion across SADC — and chart priorities for Digital Public Infrastructure and financial health.

Joint Policy Brief: Presentation

The Joint Policy Brief launch presentation was delivered by Dr Anthony Kaziboni, Senior Researcher at the University of Johannesburg, highlighting key findings and policy recommendations.

Read the media release for the launch of the Joint Policy Brief on 12 June, exploring how in-person support can improve livelihood outcomes.

Watch the launch event and discussion on the role of in-person support in helping people achieve sustainable livelihoods.

Joint Policy Brief: From Margins to Mainstream

Read the policy brief exploring why in-person support should be recognised as a key policy lever for improving livelihood outcomes.