The Ghana Fintech and
Payments Association has announced its partnership with Africa Fintech
Forum in hosting its maiden edition of the Francophone Fintech Summit in Accra,
Ghana, under the theme "Understanding the Francophone Fintech
Market."
Scheduled for 12th May 2023 at Marriot Hotel, the event aims to provide an opportunity for fintech in Ghana and other West African
Anglophone markets to gain insights into the emerging fintech market of
Francophone West Africa.
The summit will bring
together key players in the fintech industry from Francophone West Africa,
including investors, fintech and startups, entrepreneurs, regulators, policymakers, and tech leaders for a holistic discussion on comprehending and
navigating the Francophone fintech markets. The event will feature panel
discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions focused on sharing
knowledge and industry best practices to navigate the unique challenges of the
Francophone fintech markets.
The event will also highlight
the opportunities presented by the fast-growing economies of Francophone
Africa, such as Ivory Coast, which has become a hub for digital innovation,
attracting significant investment in the fintech sector through its
average annual economic growth rate of 7% since 2012. A fintech Africa
Report from industry analyst and research firm, McKinsey & Company in 2022
predicted, that the fintech market in Africa is expected to grow fastest
in Ghana by 15% and 13% in Francophone West Africa per annum, by 2025. Therefore,
this summit also aims to provide a platform for Ghanaian fintech and startups
as well as other participants to explore potential partnerships and
collaborations with their counterparts from the Francophone West African region.
"We are excited to
bring together some of the best minds in the fintech industry to discuss the
West African francophone market and its potential for growth and innovation so
as to promote last-mile solutions," said Martin Kwame Awagah, President of
the Ghana Fintech and Payments Association. He further added that he believes
the platform created will be a valuable opportunity for attendees to learn from
industry experts, share ideas, and make meaningful connections.
Mr. Alex Sea, CEO of
Africa Fintech Forum, who also doubles as the Vice President of the Africa
Fintech Network, added his voice by saying “Cote D'Ivoire's vibrant fintech
ecosystem presents a significant opportunity for fintech companies across
Africa. We are excited to partner with Ghana Fintech and Payments Association
to bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to explore and
understand the Francophone fintech market which has seen a great transition due
to good government initiatives, commercial banks’ competitive moves, mobile
money players efforts on mobile and merchant payments, increasing of funding
for startups in addition to the emergence of hubs, accelerators, incubators, and
venture capital firms. This summit will provide the right platform for
knowledge exchange and collaboration, which will drive innovation and growth
across the West African region and our continent at large."
The Ghana Fintech and
Payments Association and Africa Fintech Forum, as well as major partners
including the Africa Fintech Network, Fintech Association of Nigeria, and Cote
D’Ivoire Fintech Association, are committed to promoting the growth and
development of the fintech industry in West Africa and on the continent and
this summit is just one of the many initiatives aimed at advancing this mission.
These major organizations are eagerly looking forward to hosting participants
in Accra, Ghana, on 12th May 2023 for the maiden edition.
