New partnership to help 1,500 professionals boost financial inclusion through digital finance services

A new certified training programme in digital money will help 1,500 professionals gain technical knowledge and drive innovation in digital money, thanks to a partnership between FSD Africa and the Digital Frontiers Institute (DFI).

FSD Africa is investing US$1.5 million in a foundational course on digital money and complimentary professional development services which are being offered by DFI in partnership with the Fletcher School at Tufts University. The 12-week ‘Certificate in Digital Money’ is being delivered in a digital environment.

Part of FSD Africa’s investment is going towards a scholarship programme, through which over 170 Africa-based digital payment professionals will be trained and certified over the next two years, with specific focus on individuals who will make a lasting impact, including women whose numbers are increasing in a traditionally male dominated field.

It is estimated that more than a third (38 percent) of the world’s adult population do not have access to basic financial services. The World Bank’s Universal Financial Access by 2020 programme has listed 25 ‘focus countries’, over half of which are in Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Nigeria.

Juliet Munro, Inclusive Programmes Coordinator for FSD Africa, said:
“Digital payments are key to unlocking financial inclusion, particularly in developing countries. Building capacity in the digital payments industry is one of the best ways of ensuring faster, better and more cost-effective digital-based financial services.”

Gavin Krugel, CEO of DFI, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with FSD Africa. There is clear synergy in our vision of educating digital payments professionals across the developing world. We have 125 participants in our first cohort which is currently underway, 75 percent of whom come from developing markets.”

For more information, please contact:

Juliet Munro
Inclusive Programmes Coordinator for FSD Africa
E-mail: juliet@fsdafrica.org

Debra Roodt
Head of Marketing & Communications for Digital Frontiers Institute
E-mail: debra@digitalfrontiersinstitute.org

Click here to download press release

About FSD Africa
FSD Africa is a non-profit company which promotes financial sector development across sub-Saharan Africa. It sees itself as a catalyst for change, working with partners to build financial markets that are robust, efficient and, above all, inclusive. It uses funding, research and technical expertise to identify market failures and strengthen the capacity of its partners to improve access to financial services and drive economic growth. It is FSD Africa’s belief that strong and responsive financial markets will be central to Africa’s emerging growth story and the prosperity of its people. FSD Africa is funded by UK aid from the UK government.

About Digital Frontiers Institute (DFI)
DFI is a not for profit initiative run as a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Our mission is to equip a new generation of Fintech professionals with the knowledge, skills, network & vision required to guide society towards inclusive digital financial solutions. DFI’s founders are David Porteous (Chairman), Gavin Krugel (CEO) and Ignacio Mas (Executive Director).