Photo: Nipah Dennis Source: Getty Images 

A new study co-funded by ReFinD reveals that the randomised entry of mobile money vendors into Ghana’s local markets leads to significant improvements in firm conduct, service quality, and a decrease in price-cost markups, benefiting consumers. The research also provides evidence of within-market revenue reallocation, a 20% increase in revenues for non-financial goods and services, and overall growth in the service industry.  

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ReFinD is partnering with the Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA) on a scoping study to examine Ethiopia’s agent network and broader financial banking ecosystem. The study will explore key characteristics, market structures, stakeholders, challenges, and regulatory frameworks that define agent banking in the country. This in-depth analysis will lay the groundwork for future research and targeted interventions to enhance financial access for Ethiopia’s population. 

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ReFinD is pleased to announce the release of its inaugural policy brief, addressing the crucial issues surrounding the impact of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) on digital financial services in Ghana. Titled "The Effect of the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy) on Retail Digital Financial Services in Ghana," this brief makes a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse on this timely subject. 

Simon Bawakyillenuo, Associate Professor at ISSER, is the Principal Investigator of the project. The team also includes Dr. Michael Kodom, Prof. Peter Quartey, and Prof. Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako from ISSER and the University of Ghana Business School, respectively, as well as Dr. Andrew Agyei-Holmes from ISSER and Prof. Cynthia Akwei from Liverpool John Moores University.