The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), in collaboration with the ReFinD Research Initiative (ReFinD) and the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), is set to launch the first-ever comprehensive census on digital financial services (DFS) adoption among businesses in Ghana. The landmark report, which will be launched on April 8, 2025, at ISSER, presents findings from the Integrated Business Establishment Census (IBES) 2024.

Facilitators from ISSER, Naara Rural Rural Bank and META Foundation in a group photo with participants

Participants at the workshop commended the study for helping them adopt digital tools to improve their businesses.

Shaibu Haruna, CEO of MobileMoney Ltd, and Prof. Peter Quartey, Director of ISSER, symbolize their commitment to advancing financial inclusion with a firm handshake after signing a groundbreaking research partnership agreement

As we begin a new year, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable achievements of 2024—a year filled with progress, partnerships, and impactful research that brought us closer to our mission of advancing financial inclusion. From fostering new collaborations to generating evidence that informs policy and practice, ReFinD has continued to play a pivotal role in shaping the financial systems of tomorrow. Here is our roundup of the stories worth celebrating.

Advancing knowledge on financial Inclusion

Mr. Tara Squire and Prof. Peter Quartey seal the partnership with a handshake after signing the landmark agreement to advance financial inclusion through research and innovation.

ReFinD Executive Director Prof. Peter Quartey leads the December 3 inception workshop, bringing together new grantees to foster collaboration for advancing financial inclusion in LMICs

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.