WHO:     African Development Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Agence Française de Développement and the Government of Luxembourg
WHAT:     Launch of Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI)
WHERE:     Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Sala Paquena, Main Building, Sipopo Conference Centre
WHEN:    Wednesday, 12 June 2019

The African Development Bank, with donor partners, will launch the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI) on 12 June 2019 at the Bank’s Annual Meetings in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

ADFI is a new financing vehicle designed to accelerate digital financial inclusion across Africa, with a goal of ensuring that 332 million more Africans, of which, 60% are women, have access to the formal economy.

Digital financial services are emerging as a powerful force for financial inclusion, gender equality and inclusive economic growth. For consumers in low and middle-income countries, digital financial tools, such as mobile payment systems, provide a gateway to greater economic security, empowerment and opportunity.

Although there is a growing ownership of mobile phones in Africa, the benefits of digital financial inclusion have not been fully harnessed.

The Malabo launch will outline the Fund’s objectives, structure and focus areas. Donor partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Government of Luxembourg and Agence Franc?aise de De?veloppement, will discuss challenges and opportunities around digital financial inclusion during a panel discussion.

Attendees will include the Bank’s Governors and representatives of regional member countries, multilateral organizations, the private sector, donor organizations and digital finance inclusion experts and businesses.