Leveraging digital infrastructure is key to accelerating financial inclusion, especially through a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, fintechs, telecoms, regulators and even the customers.
According to the World Bank report, a significant portion of the global adult population remains unbanked.
Specifically, 27% of adults globally are considered unbanked, and an additional 50% are underbanked, defined as lacking a credit card, according to Lucidity Insights.
By investing in awareness, robust digital ID systems, interoperable payment rails, and inclusive policy frameworks, stakeholders can expand access to financial services, particularly in underserved regions, and reduce the global unbanked population significantly.
Stakeholders who gathered at the Regtech Conference 2025 discussed these strategies and more, especially facilitating cross-border payments and investment opportunities across Africa.
The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Uche Uzoebo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited.
The panel discussion themed, “From Borders to Bridges: Leveraging Digital Infrastructure to Drive Financial Inclusion through a Multi-Stakeholder Approach”, brought together diverse voices across banking, fintech, policy, and government to explore how digital infrastructure can be annexed to drive financial inclusion.
Uche Uzoebo highlighted how women often face unique challenges in accessing financial services coupled with limited digital literacy and cultural barriers.
She engaged the panelists to discuss targeted interventions aimed at promoting gender inclusivity in the financial sector and effective financial education programs that empower individuals to utilize digital financial services.
Jacqueline Mpare, Head of Agency Banking, Ecobank Group, highlighted how her organization had established a women-focused initiative to provide support to businesses targeted at women and those with women as part of the leadership by providing them with access to finance and non-financial support.
Isa Aliyushata, Regional Advisor, Africa, Corum Group Limited, stressed the need to inculcate financial literacy into the education curriculum to ensure everyone is exposed to the knowledge of financial literacy from a young age.
The panelists include Ajibade Laolu-Adewale, Chief Partnership & Ecosystems Officer, Wema Bank; Gerald Munyaradzi Nyakwawa, Head of Digital Channels, MoneyMart Finance (Private) Limited, Zimbabwe; Dr. Henry Clarke Kisembo, Group Global Lead and Executive Chairman, Development Associates Link International (DALI); Jacqueline Mpare, Head of Agency Banking, Ecobank Group; Jean Jacques Kajuga, Chief Operations Officer, RSwitch Rwanda; and Isa Aliyushata, Regional Advisor, Africa, Corum Group Limited.
The panelists emphasized collaboration, leading by example, speed and legislative alignment, a unified infrastructure payment system, and collaboration between national and regional switchers to allow a low-cost cross-border payment as key to ensuring financial inclusion.
Meanwhile, her organization, Shared Agency Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF), was honored with the title of 2025 Financial Literacy Champion at the RegTech Awards.
This prestigious recognition highlights SANEF’s steadfast commitment to promoting financial literacy and enhancing financial inclusion across Nigeria.
Through strategic partnerships, the expansion of agent networks nationwide, and impactful educational programs, SANEF continues to equip millions with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions.
