Microfinance and financial inclusion have become very topical issues on the global agenda, and a priority in many developing countries. It has been acknowledged that inclusive financial systems, where people regardless of income level, have easy access to various financial services, are critical for a country’s sustainable long term economic growth.
In the region and in our individual countries we can attest that there are still significant numbers of our people excluded from basic financial services. In this regard, our active role in financial systems regulation, reform and policy development is important to set the scene and successfully implant the microfinance and financial inclusion agenda in our countries.