Explore a year filled with engaging stakeholder interactions and impactful research activities as we diligently advanced the aims of the ReFinD Research Initiative. Our Year in Review provides highlights of the achievements and involvements within ReFinD during the past year.
January
The Retail Finance Distribution Network (ReFinD) research initiative, ISSER has issued a statement in response to the 30th of November press release by the Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana.
The maiden ReFinD Webinar Series on Agent Network Development drew over a hundred participants spanning the agent network and financial inclusion value chains in Africa, Asia, Europe, and America, facilitating the exchange of global perspectives on competition and agent network development in LMICs. The event featured two competition-themed ReFinD projects, an expert panel discussion, and open discussions, making for an in-depth and enriching engagement with the with the topic.
ReFinD has awarded grants to five successful applicants under its second request for proposals (RFP2). The new group of grantees add to 10 researchers who are benefitting from grants under the ReFinD research initiative. This brings to a total of 15 the number of ReFinD-funded projects across Africa and Asia.
Retracing the RFP2 process
ReFinD organized an inception meeting for the successful applicants of its second Request For Proposals (RFP2). The virtual meeting provided a space for the newly selected grantees to deepen their understanding of the processes and expectations of the ReFinD grant, and learn about the projects of fellow grantees. The grantees represent six institutions from three countries.
ReFinD Executive Director, Prof. Peter Quartey (2nd from left); Project Director, Adadzewa Otoo (first right); and team members Mariam French-Anaman and (2nd from right) and Derick Walt-Collins (first from left) at E2A 2023
The Retail Finance Development Research Initiative (ReFinD) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) are joining forces to co-host a dialogue centered on leveraging data to drive the development of agent networks. The event, scheduled for July 25, 2023, is part of this year's Evidence to Action Conference taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Retail Finance Distribution Research Initiate (ReFinD) has appointed to its Policy Advisory Committee Ms. Rashmi Pillai, Group Head of Public Policy at Wave, a leading mobile money operator in Africa. She joins a representative committee that includes people from academia, public policy, and finance, positioned to provide policy leadership and guidance in advancing the aims of ReFinD.
The maiden ISSER Inclusive Finance Development Series was a hybrid event graced by people from academia and industry. Prof. Aryeetey and Prof. Quartey (1st and 5th from left) with some of the in-person participants after the event
