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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.
This initiative follows a 2023 engagement between ReFinD and key players in Ethiopia’s agent banking sector, where discussions focused on leveraging data and evidence to support ecosystem development.
The study’s findings will be valuable in identifying areas for improvement and crafting actionable recommendations to drive the growth of agent banking in Ethiopia. It aims to educate both customers and merchants on the benefits and secure use of agent banking, while also upskilling agents to provide more professional and efficient services. Additionally, the research will advocate for policy reforms that incentivize the expansion of agent networks and address regulatory barriers that hinder the sector’s growth.
This partnership with EEA reflects ReFinD’s commitment to providing evidence-based solutions to inform policy and practice, advancing financial inclusion in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).