We’re live! The Women’s Digital Financial Inclusion Advocacy Hub launches in Ethiopia

9 Jun

On 9th June 2022, the launch event of the Women’s Digital Financial Inclusion (WDFI) Advocacy Hub in Ethiopia brought together over 120 decision-makers, and digital and financial experts to discuss the nuances of advancing women’s economic empowerment through digital technology and begin to articulate a common vision to accelerate their digital financial inclusion in Ethiopia. 

Watch a recap of the WDFI Advocacy Hub launch.

The launch event included opening remarks from Mr Mamadou Dian Balde, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. in Ethiopia, on the need for multi-stakeholder dialogue and alignment to ensure that more women benefit from digital financial services and, ultimately, play an active role in the country’s transition to the digital economy. It also featured a keynote from H.E. Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance, who provided insights into the state of women's financial inclusion across the country.

With contributions from H.E. Huria Ali Mahdi, State Minister of Innovation & Technology, Ms Myriam Said, Senior Advisor on Digital Transformation at the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs Martha Hailemariam, from the National Bank of Ethiopia, alongside high representatives from Safaricom, EthSwith and the European Investment Bank, the event was truly the first step to establish a fruitful and impactful multi-stakeholder dialogue to increase women’s access and use of digital financial services in Ethiopia.

Participants addressed the many opportunities of ‘Digital Ethiopia 2025’, with a focus on the implementation of both the National Financial Inclusion Strategy and the Digital Payments Strategy, and saw experts sit down for a live conversation on efficient ways to reduce the digital financial gap across the country.

The WDFI Hub Ethiopia Coalition will hold its inaugural meeting in the coming weeks. Members of the coalition will gain access to training, insights, and financial resources to better understand and address women’s digital financial needs through policy change and smart-product design.

As a platform for a variety of organisations in Ethiopia to come together to strategize and align efforts, the WDFI Advocacy Hub will act as a key resource in informing conversations on women’s digital financial inclusion in Ethiopia.

For all those who were unable to join us, you can access the full event on-demand here, with a photo recap of the proceedings below.

If you are interested in joining, please fill out the online form.

We look forward to collaborating with you!