AFI is organizing a technical webinar on “Strengthening Agent Networks for Digital Financial Services – Regulatory and Industry Perspective” on 5 August 2020 at 13:00 (UTC).
The webinar will focus on Africa and examine policy and industry perspectives towards effective agent network management. Discussion will include topics such as the role of agent networks in advancing women’s financial inclusion, as well as how agent networks are offering critical financial services and emergency cash transfers to the vulnerable segments during the ongoing global pandemic.
Access and usage of digital financial services (DFS) is greatly driven by agents as they provide the last mile network for distribution of payments and financial services to poor and vulnerable segments. Globally, there are more that 7.7 million agents. In terms of reach, there are 228 agents per 100,000 adults as compared to 33 ATMs and 11 banks per 100,000 adults. Given their increasing outreach, proper functioning of agent networks is critical for the overall growth and performance of the ecosystem of digital financial services (DFS) and for advancing the financial inclusion. In addition, for most women (especially women residing in the rural areas), their first-hand experience with digital financial services is typically through a physical agent. With this in mind, agent and cash-in and cash-out (CICO) networks with digital capabilities have the potential to drive women’s DFS uptake and lead to greater economic empowerment.
In this regard, both industry players and regulators need to ensure that agent networks are set up, monitored, and managed effectively so that the customers receive appropriate services and are protected against any malpractices. This is even more so for Sub-Saharan Africa as it has the highest number of agents as well as mobile money accounts.
Please confirm your participation by Monday, 3 August 2020
Should you have any questions regarding this webinar or how to participate, please contact us at AfPI@afi-global.org or afievents@afi-global.org.
We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming webinar.
The event is supported by the Mastercard Foundation under AFI’s COVID-19 Policy Response for Africa Region.