The Gates Foundation has received an AFI Honorary Recognition award for its outstanding contribution to the AFI network.  

Speaking at the 2025 AFI Global Policy Forum in Namibia, AFI CEO Dr Alfred Hannig said that “the Gates Foundation was critical to the birth of AFI, driven by the conviction that ‘policy matters’. Our early exchanges with the Foundation helped prove the concept for a policy leadership alliance on financial inclusion. They then mobilized support for AFI, and provided us with very generous funding.” 

“The Gates Foundation has been with us every step of the way, speaking up for disruptive innovation, and providing intellectual leadership to our Steering Committee.” 

Ariadne Plaitakis, Gates Foundation Deputy Director for Regulation, Policy, & Research, received the award at the AFI Global Policy Forum. Ms Plaitakis leads the Foundation’s efforts to promote evidence-based policymaking, regulatory innovation, and cross-sector research that can advance financial inclusion. 

Learn more about how the Gates Foundation is working to advance inclusive financial systems.