This policy brief presents evidence from a randomized controlled trial in Tanzania examining whether increasing women’s use of mobile money can strengthen their financial control and decision-making power. The study finds that shifting microfinance loan repayments from cash to mobile money increased women’s use of digital financial services, improved their control over finances, strengthened participation in household decisions, and shifted spending towards priorities such as children’s schooling and clothing, without reducing household welfare or increasing conflict.
Authors: Heath, Rachel and Riley, Emma
Type: Policy Brief
Publisher: BIGD
Year: 2026
