Towards Better Data for Better Development Outcomes: A “lean” DFL survey tool to measure digital and financial literacy globally*

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.