Then, a local pointed me to a small kiosk nearby, suggesting I ask for help. When I approached, a young boy—no older than 14—pulled out a small device and facilitated a cash withdrawal for me. I paid him a small fee, got my ticket, and was on my way. 

As I settled in for the two-hour boat ride, I reflected on this experience. It was brilliant to see how such a simple gadget could replace the need for large ATMs, which require significant investment and maintenance. This innovation, tailored to local conditions, enabled people in Tulehu to access banking services easily. The kiosk owner likely earns a small profit from each transaction, while the bank benefits as well. It’s such a win-win situation. 

However, this success was only possible because of the digital access available in the Tulehu area. Without it, the cash retrieval would not have occurred. This convergence of digital transformation and localized innovation is crucial for making our lives easier and bridging the digital divide. 

Often, we think of innovation as something grandiose—big machines or cutting-edge technology. But it doesn’t have to be. The best innovations are those that effectively address persistent issues, regardless of their scale. 

As I prepared for the launch of our think piece, this experience resonated deeply with the points we had articulated. Now that it's launched, I find myself contemplating the next steps: What more can we do to make digital transformation a reality for all? What innovations can we spearhead, and in which sectors? 

These questions are the focus of my upcoming reflections. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Written by

Juliaty Ansye Sopacua - Senior Advisor for Programme Integration and Development Analyses