The Opening Ceremony of the 2025 AFI Global Policy Forum (GPF), co-organized with Bank of Namibia in Swakopmund, highlighted financial inclusion’s contribution to empowerment and economic development. 

Reflecting on the 2025 GPF Theme of Empowering Society & Enabling Growth, Bank of Namibia Governor, Johannes ǃGawaxab said “empowerment is not just about opening a bank account or accessing credit – it is about restoring dignity, widening opportunities and creating real pathways to prosperity for those who have been excluded for far too long.” 

“Financial inclusion is not merely a question of numbers or reach, but rather a human issue – a question of equity, dignity and opportunity,” said AFI Chair, Soraya M. Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda. “When we empower individuals with the right financial tools, we enable communities to thrive, economies to grow, and nations to become more resilient.” 

AFI CEO Dr Alfred Hannig highlighted that the number of people financially included as a result of the AFI network’s efforts has surpassed one billion, saying this was “significant, but not surprising. I know how much work our members have put into developing and implementing impactful policy reforms, breaking down barriers, and creating the conditions for innovation to thrive. Policy takes time to deliver results, but the results can be tremendous.”