EVENT OVERVIEW
The U.S.-Africa Financial Inclusion Conference was the first of three Sub-Saharan Infrastructure Financing events funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). In partnership with USTDA, The Webster Group (TWG) planned and managed this two day conference located in Cape Town, South Africa in July 2023.
This workshop convened decision makers improving governance of African cross-borders and discussing the key measures required to improve financial inclusion across African markets. Workshop sessions focused on topics such as improving governance in the financial sector, compliance, promoting inclusion through collaboration, fintech innovation, ESG, governance and social upliftment and FATF recommendations with a case study on Mauritius’ remediation. Attending fintech and ICT vendors had the opportunity to introduce themselves formally to the participants. A U.S. Government and Technology Solutions Showcase was offered on day two where U.S. technology suppliers/fintechs had tables to showcase their offerings and meet with participants during networking breaks.
The goal of this event series was to promote trade and financial inclusion between Sub-Saharan and U.S. financial sectors. The event was successful due to the collaboration and combined efforts of USTDA, Rand Merchant Bank, The Webster Group, and other U.S. Government stakeholders.
The conference was held on the 28th floor of the FNB portside building. USTDA, in collaboration with Rand Merchant Bank, and other government stakeholders, promoted trade, investment, and the development of projects in Africa. The conference included panel discussions, presentations, virtual speakers, networking breaks, a reception, and breakaway sessions. In total there were 78 attendees with vast representations from 11 countries and 51 different organizations.
