Wednesday, January 09, 2019 06.05AM / By Fintech
It is
remarkable to note that the Africa Fintech Network was formally inaugurated on
Tuesday 4th December 2018 during the opening session of the maiden week long
Africa Fintech Festival hosted in Lagos – Nigeria.
The
inauguration was conducted and witnessed by distinguished personalities
including the Vice President of Nigeria Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN GCON (represented
by Special Adviser to President/Vice President on ICT), President of
African Development Bank Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (represented by
Senior Country Director for ADB in Nigeria), Dr Ebrima Faal; Minister for
Business Development Ghana Dr. Ibrahim Awal; IMF Country Representative
for Nigeria Dr. Amine Mati; Chief of Technology and Innovation, United
Nations Economic Commission for Africa Dr. Kasirim Nwuke and others.
There
were delegates from ten African countries making the founding membership of the
Network. The journey began 24th January 2018 where the idea of an Africa
Fintech Network was canvassed at the African Fintech Enablers Roundtable held
in Lagos with delegates from seven Africa countries, guests from other
countries outside of Africa and financial services regulators. A second Africa
Fintech Roundtable was held on 3rd December 2018 culminating into the formal
inauguration the following day.
The
Network will comprise of National Fintech Associations in the various African
countries.
The key
objectives of the Network include:
It is
expected that the Network will contribute to making Africa a leading global
Innovation Hub. The Network will also promote Africa as a preferred investment
destination thereby creating employment opportunities; contribute to
fast-tracking access to basic financial services for all, and generating wealth
among others.
Following
the inauguration, a Council made up of representatives from seven countries was
established to drive the activities of the Network.
The
Council which is made up of the following had its inaugural meeting on
Wednesday 5th December 2018:
1.
Nigeria – Segun Aina (President)
2.
Uganda – Zianah Muddi (Secretary)
3.
Egypt – Noha Shaker
4.
Ethiopia – Hohete Arefaine
5.
South Africa –Andrew de Kock
6.
Cote D’Ivoire – TBA
7.
Senegal - TBA.
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