The National Bank of Angola (BNA) has called for the development of regional payment infrastructure across Africa, with its deputy governor urging fellow central bankers and regulators to prioritise automated payment systems as a cornerstone of financial inclusion on the continent.
Speaking at the closing session of the 15th meeting of the African Financial Inclusion Policy Initiative (AfPI) in Luanda on Friday, BNA Deputy Governor Domingos Pedro also advocated for the sharing of best practices and a sustained commitment to data-driven policies, innovation, and the equitable delivery of financial literacy to the most vulnerable population segments.
Pedro highlighted the profound transformation of financial systems across Africa, which over recent decades have evolved from traditional banking models into more diversified, digital and inclusive ecosystems — a shift he said has improved the economic dignity of millions of people across the continent.
The deputy governor stressed, however, that the central challenge now extends well beyond simply securing access to financial services. What matters, he said, is ensuring that those services are used on a daily and effective basis to support household welfare, strengthen the private sector and drive sustainable economic growth.
In his assessment, the success of this transition depends on strategic cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well as a continuous process of peer learning among participating countries and institutions.
The 15th AfPI meeting brought together representatives of central banks, regulators, policymakers and financial institutions over two days to debate challenges and opportunities, accelerate financial inclusion across the continent, and reinforce regional cooperation and the exchange of best practices.
AfPI was established in May 2017 during the 5th Annual Roundtable held in Maputo, Mozambique, and serves as the continent’s principal regulatory platform dedicated to financial inclusion policy.
Source: ANGOP
