Hassan Zaggi
Chairman of Cashless Africa, Her Excellency Olayinka Fayomi has stressed that an expansion of financial services to rural communities can take an army of 12 million unemployed youths in Africa out of the employment market.
She further called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to use the upcoming Africa Cashless Payment Systems Conference to promote the e-Naira initiative of the present administration and enlighten the public more on the features and benefits the country stands to gain from the re-designed currency notes.
Fayomi made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during a press conference to usher in the Africa Cashless Payment Systems Conference which will hold on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja – Nigeria.
She said that about 500 participants from 50 countries are expected to take part in the conference. She said that there will be 50 Fintech solutions exhibition booths, 5 presentations, 10 Expert Speakers, 6 group projects and a Panel Discussions.
The Cashless Africa boss went further to announce that His Excellency Buah Saidy, President of African Governors of Central Bank and governor of Central Bank of Gambia will at the occasion present a Certificate of Distinction to the CBN governor on behalf of Cashless Africa and Foreign Investment Network (FIN).
Some of the dignitaries expected at the event include Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor Central Bank of Ghana; Godwin Emefiele CBN Governor.
Some other expected personalities included: Dr. Isa Ali Pantami Minister of Trade and Digital Economy; Mrs. Vera Esperance, Minister of Finance Angola; Hon Ursula Owusu-Ekuful Minister of Communications and Digitalisation Ghana; Michael Miebach CEO Master Card; Mr. John Alan Kyeremanten Minister of Trade and Industry Ghana; Mr. Solomon Nwamba CEO Majestic Coin; Miebaka Kenneth Akodi Chairman Nairanet Technologies Limited; Akin Fayomi Vice President Citi Group UK; Nnamdi Ekeh CEO Konga and many more.
Through more light on some of the expectations at the conference, she continued, “While 10 to 12 million youths in Africa graduate into the labour market each year, only 3.1 million jobs are created, leaving a vast number of youths vulnerable and unemployed.
“The event will serve as a launching pad for the international business community to explore investment opportunities in Africa and other emerging markets. It will stimulate wider investment exchange between countries/organizations towards a prosperous Africa and also serve as a platform for states to build partnerships, foster business relationships, improve financial inclusion, strength local currencies, improve global financial operations and create balanced economic policies.
“The fulcrum of the second edition of Africa Cashless Payment Systems Conference is to trigger conversation around the development and implementation of safe, reliable and efficient payments systems and Financial Market Infrastructures (FMIs) in Africa which is very crucial in achieving a secured, affordable, accessible payment solutions as well as expand financial inclusion, foster development and support financial stability in the continent”.
Adding his voice, President of Cashless Africa, Dr. Alex Itkin said that “the conference will be an venue for a productive dialogue among digital financial solutions stakeholders where digital product vendors, consumers, the academia, and regulators will brainstorm on issues of mutual concerns and challenges to efficient product deliverables. It will seek to foster collaboration and debate on key Fintech topics including fair regulation and financial inclusion”.
The maiden edition which held at the Plush Movempick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, in 2021, was attended by government officials, policy makers, captains of industries, Fintech companies and start-ups. It was a market place for business exchange and policy decision on the opportunities and challenges of digital financial platforms in Africa and how it can enhance intra-continental trade within the context of the AfCFTA (Africa Continental Free Trade Area).
About 38 Tech leaders, Start-Ups, Financial Solution Providers, Captains of Industry, Business leaders and organizations that have distinguished themselves in Corporate Social Responsibility, Financial Inclusion and Job creation were honoured.
