AFD’s Commitment to Digital Financial Inclusion in Africa.

Thursday 10th April 2025

AfDB Manager Mohamadou Ba (second from right) with Gates Foundation Program Officer Thao Hong (far left), the French Treasury’s Clarisse Senaya (second left), AFD’s Head of Financial Systems Audrey Brule-Françoise (center left), AfDB Principal Officer Mariam Yeo-Dembele (center right) and ADFI Communications lead Louise Simpson (far right).

非洲记者报道

The Agence française de développement (AFD) has pledged an additional €3 million to the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI) managed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), bringing its total contribution to over €5 million. This funding will be instrumental in accelerating financial inclusion across Africa by supporting digital financial solutions that cater to underserved populations, including women, youth, and rural communities.

AFD’s investment aligns with the goal of promoting financial services that empower individuals and small businesses, driving investment and entrepreneurship in regions that face financial exclusion. The collaboration between AFD, AfDB, and other international partners such as the Gates Foundation aims to expand access to credit and other financial services through scalable digital solutions.

Digital financial services are a critical pathway for reaching excluded populations in Africa, and AFD’s ongoing support for ADFI will help expand these services, particularly in rural areas where access to traditional banking remains limited. The initiative seeks to reduce the gender gap in financial inclusion and enhance the quality of life for Africans by providing tools that foster economic empowerment and resilience.

Audrey Brule-Françoise, head of AFD’s Financial Systems Division, emphasized the importance of digital financial solutions in reaching diverse populations across Africa. With AFD’s increased commitment, ADFI will continue to scale its efforts to make financial services more accessible and inclusive. The partnership underscores the shared objective of fostering sustainable economic growth and development through innovative financial solutions.