Caroline Abel: Remarks - assuming chairmanship of the African Financial Inclusion Policy Initiative

Remarks by Ms Caroline Abel, Governor of Central Bank of Seychelles, at the 10th African Financial Inclusion Policy Initiative (AfPI) Meetings and Leaders Roundtable, Arusha, 23 June 2022. 

The views expressed in this speech are those of the speaker and not the view of the BIS.

Professor Florens Luoga, Outgoing Chairperson and Governor of the Bank of Tanzania;
Dr. Alfred Hannig, Executive Director of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion;
Governors and Deputy Governors;
Ladies and Gentleman;

Good afternoon.

Allow me to take this opportunity to appreciate the confidence you, as fellow leaders of the African Financial Inclusion Policy Initiative (AfPI), have entrusted to the Central Bank of Seychelles.

I am deeply honoured and humbled to accept the appointment as Chairperson of this very important platform for the next two years, with the very noble task of fostering partnerships and exchanging experiences that will further strengthen and take the network to greater heights.

AfPI has played and will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in promoting collaboration and peer learning to enhance the implementation of innovative financial inclusion policies across the African continent.

The strides we have made thus far and the challenges we face as we strive to achieve this objective differ from one country to the next for many different  reasons, such as our demography, culture, availability of resources and expertise, to name but a few.

However, as we have experienced over the past few days, these diversities present ample opportunities for us to gain new perspectives, which we can use to strengthen our efforts to move forward as individual members and as a regional grouping.

At this juncture, I would like to take this opportunity to thank and commend the outgoing Chairperson, Professor Florens Luoga, Governor of the Bank of Tanzania.

Professor, your leadership and commitment over the past two years have contributed immensely towards efforts to push forward the digitalisation and innovation agenda with the aim of strengthening our financial systems. The Central Bank of Seychelles is privileged to be taking the helm and continue steering the course that you and the preceding chairs of AfPI have set us on. I am confident of your continued support and that of all the other Governors and leaders of AfPI.

Our journey to enhance financial inclusion is ongoing and will have to evolve to adapt to changing realities. It is nevertheless an important journey that will continue to improve access to financial services for all and ultimately assist in achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

As a firm believer in teamwork and inclusive leadership, I look forward to the collaboration, and I am equally excited to bear witness to the continued progress as we work on achieving the deliverables that we will outline for the coming years.

Once again, I would like to reiterate our appreciation to all AfPI leaders and the AFI management for the confidence entrusted in the Central Bank of Seychelles.

Thank You!