Centre of Excellence
Opening soon -- 2nd ReFinD request for proposals for research in retail finance distribution
The Retail Finance Distribution (ReFinD) research initiative will open for applications for the second round of sub-grants in February 2023. Successful applicants will be awarded grants to undertake research and test innovations in retail finance/ agent banking for financial inclusion in low and middle-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and South Asia.
Adadzewa Otoo Kottoh appointed Project Director of ReFinD Research Initiative
Adadzewa Otoo Kottoh has been appointed Project Director of Retail Finance Distribution (ReFinD), a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded research initiative that focuses on deepening digital financial inclusion for women, poor households, SMEs, and other retail businesses in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
FinTech and the Future of Banks and Financial Services in Africa
Abstract
This chapter examines the role of financial technology (FinTech) in transforming the delivery of banking and financial services and its potential in promoting financial inclusion in Africa. The chapter discusses the main types of FinTech which include mobile money, mobile banking, crowdfunding, and blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies and their market developments in Africa.
ReFinD awards grants for 3 pilot studies
The Retail and Finance Distribution (ReFinD) research initiative has awarded grants for three pilot studies to be conducted in three countries. This comes at the end of the first call for proposals which was issued during the project launch in June this year.
ReFinD outreach workshop held
The Retail Finance Distribution (ReFinD) research initiative hosted an outreach workshop to share with participants key project information, in particular information about the first call for proposals and how interested research teams and organisations can access funding.
Prof. Ernest Aryeetey
Ernest Aryeetey is the Secretary-General of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana.