Frontier Markets, a rural social commerce platform, sought to optimize the performance of its frontline workers, known as Sahelis.
To achieve this, MSC developed a comprehensive profiling system that improved the recruitment process and identified the specific traits that contribute to high-performing Sahelis. We used multiple machine learning algorithms to provide Frontier Markets with valuable insights.
These insights enabled Frontier Markets to refine its recruitment strategies and enhance the overall effectiveness of its Saheli workforce.
MSC has been collaborating with Stanbic Bank Kenya to create a comprehensive integrated monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) framework. This framework enables the bank to track and enhance its initiatives effectively.
MSC used theory of change (TOC) and logframe methodologies to help Stanbic Bank map the causal logic of its programs and defined activities, outputs, and outcomes along with associated assumptions and risks. This approach ensures alignment with broader goals, such as sustainable economic growth in Kenya and Sudan.
MSC’s support will help Stanbic Bank achieve these goals, strengthen its ability to make data-driven decisions, and improve strategies.
The Airtel Payments Bank (APB) sought to broaden its reach and provide financial services in previously unserved or underserved regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. MSC partnered with the APB to identify viable locations to recruit new agents and maximize customer outreach.
MSC used geospatial analysis to map APB’s existing agent locations and pinpoint strategic sites where new agents could be placed to serve the maximum number of unserved or underserved populations effectively.
This approach enabled APB to optimize its agent network, which ensured broader access to financial services in these key regions.
MSC has partnered with the Griffith Asia Institute and the ADBI to address the digital divide in Bangladesh through an experimental impact evaluation study.
This RCT seeks to identify best practices for the adoption of digital financial services (DFS) and overcome the barriers nonusers and low-frequency users face.
The study compares outcomes between treatment and control groups with a diary-based tool to capture real-time data on financial behaviors and challenges over a year.
Insights from this research will inform strategies to enhance DFS adoption and financial inclusion and highlight the critical role of cross-institutional partnerships to address development challenges.
The emergence of new digital platforms presents a crucial opportunity for microenterprises to build businesses, promote financial inclusion, and reduce the gender gap. MSC and Busara conducted a scoping study to develop a strategic engagement plan to guide donors, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), in funding and programming efforts that use digital financial services for microenterprises.
Busara and MSC conducted the study across four countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Busara focused on Nigeria and Kenya due to their well-established platform innovation ecosystems that feature a wide array of digitally-led products and services. MSC deep-dived into Bangladesh and India, as these countries have a significant presence of microenterprises but face substantial funding gaps.
The study sought to achieve several key outcomes:
- Examine microenterprise performance: We evaluated how microenterprises that participate in digital platforms navigate business challenges and assessed the impact on their revenues, costs, finance, business models, products, and customers.
- Understand exclusion impacts: The research examined the effects on microenterprises excluded from digital platforms, including their ability to conduct business, access finance, and engage with consumers.
- Focus on women-owned microenterprises: We specifically investigated the challenges of women-owned microenterprises and the impacts of these challenges on their functioning. We also looked at skill gaps, technical knowledge, the need for business training, and access to finance.
- Uncover the supply-side perspective: The study assessed the needs and gaps from the perspective of digital retail and service platforms, transport and logistics platforms, and financial institutions.
- Assess government support: We explored the existing and potential government support available to microenterprises to help build their businesses.
The core teams from Busara, MSC, and the BMGF were involved throughout the study, along with regional program officers and industry stakeholders. Regular meetings and updates ensured that the research strategy remained updated and aligned with the needs of microenterprises. This collaborative approach helped avoid duplication of efforts and ensured that the study addressed the right questions.
The study’s findings and strategic recommendations are now poised to guide donors in their efforts to support microenterprises through digital platforms and ultimately enhance their resilience and economic impact.
MSC conducted a workshop with SEWA Sarthak senior management to finalize BC Model Pilot – Action Plan that would test certain interventions based on Strategic Business Plan.
MSC collaborated with Sarthak Private Limited to co-create a viable business model for them as well as undertake capacity-building activities to strengthen their business operations.
It is an ongoing assignment where MSC is working closely with Sarthak to provide technical support to strengthen their women-led agent network.
MSC undertook field visits and facilitated interactions at all levels to develop strategy suggestions for SEWA Sarthak.
MSC also co-created a Strategic Business Plan for Sarthak SEWA for a viable business model for them as well as undertook capacity-building activities to strengthen their business operations.
Outcomes and Impact
- A Strategic Business Plan co-created by MSC and Sarthak SEWA is in place to develop a viable business model for them.
- Recommendations were made by MSC for Sarthak SEWA to undertake capacity-building activities to strengthen their business operations.
- Critical concerns of the organization like BC identification, training, Grievance Redressal Mechanism, technology adoption and liquidity management, can be streamlined with the aid of MSC’s research
- MSC’s Action Plan for future endeavors will help Sarthak in standardized feasibility assessment, and convergence which is critical while entering a new location.