For four years, the AFI network has been coming together to collaborate, advance issues of mutual interest and engage in cutting edge dialogue on financial inclusion challenges. Since our first GPF in Kenya our network has grown, deepened, and become more interconnected.

This week, we find ourselves back on the African continent, where some of the toughest financial inclusion challenges — and some of the most innovative solutions — can be found. It is an ideal setting in which to explore this year’s theme, making financial inclusion real.

Over the next three days we will debate the impacts of financial inclusion on the real economy, explore emerging challenges such as SME finance, and share how access to financial services has transformed the lives of the poor in our countries and contributed to more balanced and equitable economic growth.

Many AFI members have made concrete commitments to financial inclusion under the Maya Declaration. This GPF will be the first chance for members to showcase their progress and demonstrate how they are bringing these commitments to life. On Friday, more AFI members will announce a new batch of Maya commitments.

As we work together to make financial inclusion real for the billions of people struggling with the twin challenges of poverty and inequality every day, use the space the GPF provides to find answers to your questions and share your successes with others. Enjoy!

* This article is found in GPF Connect, the forum’s daily newsletter. Click here to download the full newsletter.