MSC provided strategic monitoring and evaluation (M&E) support to strengthen the Soil Health Card (SHC) program, India’s flagship initiative to promote sustainable agricultural practices through evidence-based soil management. The objective was to generate actionable insights on the reach, adoption, and effectiveness of SHCs across diverse agroclimatic zones.
MSC developed a comprehensive results framework and designed a dynamic results tracker to monitor key performance indicators. We implemented concurrent evaluations in 54 districts across 18 states, using a mixed-methods approach to assess awareness, availability, and use of SHCs among farmers.
The evaluation included a large-scale quantitative survey of 11,300 farmers, complemented by qualitative interviews from frontline extension workers, government officials, and implementing partners. This allowed for a comprehensive understanding of ground-level implementation challenges, farmer behavior, and systemic enablers and barriers.
The insights generated led to a series of targeted policy and program-based recommendations, many of which were integrated into subsequent iterations of the SHC program. These changes improved last-mile delivery, increased SHC adoption, and enhanced farmer awareness on soil health and nutrient management.
The Gates Foundation commissioned the project.
MSC collaborated with XENO, a Ugandan digital investment platform, to identify and test behavioral biases that hinder the uptake of personal financial investment and wealth management solutions. The study sought to design and evaluate behavioral nudges that could drive greater inquiry, enrollment, and usage of investment products among target users.
Over a four-week period, XENO tracked user responses, which included inquiries, sign-ups, and platform engagement. We adopted an A/B testing approach to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of nine behavioral nudges. Each nudge translated into customized message formats and was tailored to XENO’s platform. Approximately 3,000 potential users were randomly selected and divided into nine test groups and one control group, with 300 participants per group. The control group received a generic enrolment message, while each test group received a message based on a specific nudge. The randomized testing allowed for rigorous comparison, free from confusing influences, and provided a ranked list of the most effective nudges based on real behavioral outcomes.
The evaluation offered XENO data-driven guidance on which nudges were most effective to convert user interest into action. The findings underscored the need for user-centric communication strategies and behavioral design to expand access to formal investment products.
Financial Sector Deepening Uganda (FSDU) commissioned the project.
The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, conducted a national evaluation of four key financial inclusion programs to examine their performance. The objective was to examine their effectiveness on access, adoption, usage, and service quality. It also assessed claims processing, renewals, and sought to generate actionable insights for improved policy and program delivery.
The four programs that were evaluated include the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and the Stand-Up India Scheme (SUI).
MSC led the design and implementation of a utilization-focused, mixed-methods evaluation across diverse Indian geographies. This involved large-scale primary data collection through household surveys and key informant interviews (KIIs) to capture beneficiary and stakeholder feedback. We also conducted in-depth secondary research and policy reviews to contextualize field insights and identify systemic challenges in program implementation and coordination.
The evaluation produced important insights that highlighted gaps, uncovered operational inefficiencies, and revealed opportunities for greater convergence and program optimization. Our recommendations informed strategic decisions on resource allocation, eligibility criteria, and service delivery improvements. The insights were integrated into policy briefs and shared through targeted presentations to aid decision-making across relevant ministries.
The Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) at NITI Aayog commissioned the project.
Low- and moderate-income countries (LMICs) face persistent challenges in building inclusive and effective DPI. A key barrier is the lack of trusted data-sharing systems, which currently remain fragmented and uncoordinated across sectors. If data systems are not grounded in clear frameworks and interoperability standards, they cannot deliver services at scale and serve citizens efficiently. To address this problem, we must adopt a strategic approach that aligns policy, technology, and investment, and encourages collaboration across the digital ecosystem.
MSC worked with the Gates Foundation to shape this strategic approach. We began by conducting a landscape and demand analysis of trusted data-sharing systems across LMICs to identify opportunities, gaps, and contextual realities. We followed this with in-depth research in eight countries that examined national and sectorial data-sharing systems, including their architectures, technologies, policies, taxonomies, standards, and best practices.
Based on these insights, we developed a robust, adaptable taxonomy and framework for data sharing. MSC also led a comparative study of digital public goods and platform architectures that included a cost analysis of selected options. These findings were consolidated into a strategic document outlining impact pathways and a multi-year roadmap for investment in trusted data-sharing infrastructure.
The strategy helped define the value proposition for investments in trusted data-sharing systems and identified partners, donors, funders, and technical collaborators that could amplify impact through aligned efforts. It also created pathways for technical assistance to help countries design and implement inclusive, interoperable systems that strengthen their digital public infrastructure.
The Gates Foundation commissioned the project.
Many financial institutions in developing economies continue to face challenges in the implementation of digital identity and electronic know-your-customer (e-KYC) frameworks. These challenges stem from the absence of standardized, practical guidance that blends global best practices with local realities. While we find proven approaches across jurisdictions, they are often fragmented and not tailored for replication or scale. Bridging this gap requires structured, evidence-based policy models that support country-specific implementation.
MSC supported the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) in designing a global policy model to address this need. We began by developing a research and survey framework to assess the status of digital ID and e-KYC across AFI member institutions. This was followed by in-depth stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions with selected members and external experts. Insights from this process shaped the development of a policy model that codifies successful practices, policy lessons, and implementation strategies. The draft underwent a consultative review process with AFI members and was formally endorsed by the membership council.
The final model provides a standardized yet flexible framework for countries to guide the implementation of digital ID and e-KYC systems. MSC presented the draft to central banks and financial regulators through AFI-led workshops, where expert feedback further strengthened the document. Published in September 2021, the policy model now serves as a strategic reference across the AFI network. The AFI also supports its members through targeted capacity-building initiatives to drive adoption and implementation.
The Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) commissioned the project.
Across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, limited access to legal identity holds back the advancement of financial inclusion. The existing national ID systems often lack the digital capabilities needed to support secure, interoperable electronic know-your-customer (e-KYC) solutions. The broader digital identity ecosystem in the region remains fragmented and underdeveloped, with few region-specific frameworks to guide coordination, policy alignment, or cross-border implementation. With this gap, a regional policy framework was increasingly needed to strengthen digital identity and e-KYC systems and align them with international standards and best practices.
MSC supported the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) in developing a regional policy framework on e-KYC and electronic ID (e-ID) for seven Eastern European and Central Asian (EECA) countries: Armenia, Belarus, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. We began by conducting a desk review of existing research and documentation to understand the current digital ID and e-KYC landscape in these countries. This was followed by an in-depth analysis of regulatory and policy frameworks, which included FATF AML/CFT compliance.
MSC held consultations with the AFI management team and the expert group. We conducted a comprehensive survey among member countries in the ECAPI initiative to assess their status, challenges, and opportunities. We also carried out a follow-up survey to explore supporting infrastructure, policy environments, and financial inclusion conditions. Based on these insights, MSC developed research tools and analysis frameworks that informed stakeholder consultations and helped shape the policy framework.
The engagement resulted in a detailed situation report that highlighted key policy gaps and regulatory approaches, and enabled a deeper understanding of the state of digital ID and e-KYC implementation in the region. The regional policy framework, launched in January 2022, was designed to support EECA countries to strengthen their systems, harmonize standards, and advance digital financial inclusion. The framework now serves as a reference for regional collaboration and national-level reforms.
The Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) commissioned the project.