CBN, partners host international financial inclusion conference next week

The Central Bank of Nigeria and partner agencies within the National Financial Inclusion Governance Committees is set to host the second edition of its International Financial Inclusion Conference (IFC2023) in Lagos, next week.

The conference themed ‘Financial Inclusion for All: Global Insights for Local Impact,’ will provide an engagement platform for global thought leaders, regulators and other stakeholders to discuss and collaborate on contemporary strategies for accelerating financial inclusion in the African continent and globally.

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“Keynote speakers include Chea Serey, governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, Alfred Hannig, executive director, Alliance for Financial Inclusion and Reza Baqir, former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan,” the CBN said in a statement.

It said key topics to be explored at the event include fintech-driven last mile solutions, leveraging big data and artificial intelligence, inclusive product innovation (non-interest finance) and leveraging payment systems to scale financial inclusion in excluded segments – women, rural, youth and MSMEs.

“Other highlights include Innovation Labs, Financial Inclusion Awards and other side events, with opportunities to showcase Nigeria as an investment destination to support economic development within Nigeria and the sub-region,” it added.

According to the apex bank, the maiden edition of the conference was well attended by senior government officials from within and outside the country.

“Former President Muhammadu Buhari, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, selected Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other influential persons in the global financial inclusion ecosystem were in attendance,” it said.

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It added that over 5,000 participants were drawn from 78 countries, and feedback on the event was overwhelmingly positive, with this year’s edition much anticipated.

“Overall, it promises to be an insightful and engaging platform for networking with a vibrant and globally diverse Whova community and an eclectic mix of offerings to enrich participants’ inperson and/or virtual experiences.”