Year in Review 2024: ReFinD Highlights What happened in 2024, as seen on ReFinD News. 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

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.  

Photo credit: APAnews.net

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. 

Photo credit: e2matrix.com