The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has called on African policymakers and industry leaders to take an active role in shaping global finance rather than remaining passive participants.
Speaking at the 3i Africa Summit in Accra, he said Africa is at a critical point where coordinated action will determine its position in the global financial system.
“The question before us is straightforward: will Africa simply adopt the next phase of finance, or will Africa help to shape it?” he asked.
Dr Asiama noted that Africa has made strong progress in financial inclusion, driven by the growth of digital services such as mobile money and branchless banking.
“Africa has made steady progress in expanding access to finance… approximately 49% of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa now have access to digital financial accounts,” he stated.
However, he stressed that the focus must now shift from access to real impact.
“Access must translate into scale and access must translate into value,” he emphasised.
He added that the next phase of digital finance will depend on how well African countries connect systems, align policies, and build trust across borders.
“The challenge is no longer building systems. It is connecting them,” he said.
Dr Asiama also highlighted the need for strong partnerships, sustained investment, and policy coordination to drive progress.
“Our goal must be to ensure that these pillars are not only articulated, but effectively applied through strong partnerships and sustained investment,” he noted.
He further emphasised that Africa’s financial systems must mature, with a focus on discipline, transparency, and competitiveness.
“A strong financial system is not defined by activity alone. It is defined by discipline, transparency and competitiveness,” he explained.
He concluded that Africa now has a real opportunity to influence global finance but only if it steps into a leadership role.
“Africa has reached a point where participation is no longer the ambition, leadership is,” he declared.
