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Financial Inclusion for Economic Freedom
Seny GANEMTORE • June 28, 2023
Near all cultures around the world place a high value on the ability of their members to save and borrow capital. Having a means of saving money is not only essential for preparing for emergency situations, but also for making larger purchases such as educational investments and vehicles. In situations where individuals do not have reserved funds, they often have no choice but to turn to loans to cover unanticipated expenses.
Unfortunately, there are many unbanked individuals who live their lives isolated from financial services. This lack of access to basic financial tools makes it incredibly difficult for them to save and borrow capital, ultimately placing them at a higher risk in the event of any misfortune. It is clear that financial inclusion is crucial in order to eliminate economic inequality, but it is important to note that it is not the final destination that many may presume it to be.
In fact, economic inclusion should be considered the ultimate goal. Financial inclusion, on the other hand, is merely the means of reaching this destination. By providing everyone with the necessary tools and support to save and borrow money, we can work towards creating a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive financially.
Economists across the globe universally acknowledge the crucial and indispensable role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in lifting a nation's economy to new heights. With their unwavering dedication and unwavering determination, SMEs have successfully expanded industrial development, created a plethora of job opportunities, and fortified local communities. However, it is disheartening to note that despite their immense contributions to economic development, SMEs are often restrained and hampered by a lack of sufficient financial resources. According to a recent report by the esteemed International Finance Corporation (IFC), it is estimated that SMEs are currently underfunded by a staggering amount of approximately 2 trillion dollars. This financial deficit has had far-reaching consequences, with women-led corporations being disproportionately affected by the dearth of adequate funding. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for a concerted effort to address the challenges faced by SMEs in accessing the financial support they require. The impact of underfunding on SMEs cannot be underestimated. It hampers their ability to invest in infrastructure, purchase modern equipment, and implement innovative technologies that are essential for their growth and competitiveness in an increasingly globalized market. Moreover, it limits their capacity to hire and train skilled workers, thereby hindering job creation and stifling economic progress. Furthermore, the lack of financial resources also impedes SMEs' ability to seize new market opportunities, expand their operations, and diversify their product offerings. This not only hinders their own growth prospects but also limits the overall economic development of the nation as a whole. SMEs are often the backbone of local economies, and their success directly contributes to the prosperity and well-being of the communities in which they operate. In order to address this pressing issue, governments, financial institutions, and other stakeholders must collaborate and devise innovative solutions to bridge the funding gap faced by SMEs. This could involve establishing dedicated funding programs, providing easier access to loans and credit facilities, and offering targeted support and mentorship to women-led enterprises. Additionally, promoting financial literacy and providing training on effective financial management can empower SMEs to make informed decisions and maximize the utilization of their limited resources. In conclusion, there is an urgent need to recognize and address the challenges faced by SMEs in accessing sufficient financial resources. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of these vital entities and unleash a wave of economic growth and prosperity. It is only through collective efforts and a strong commitment to supporting SMEs that we can build resilient
When you consider the logistics involved in manual recordkeeping, the time-consuming task of counting totals, and the vulnerable security risks associated with cash storage, it becomes clear that cash payments are not only more expensive but also highly inconvenient compared to digitalized payments. With digital payments, which are stored and handled technologically, the risk of conventional theft is significantly reduced, providing both senders and receivers with a sense of peace and security. One of the major advantages of digital payments is that disputes over transactional amounts become obsolete, as all activity is electronically logged and recorded, ensuring transparency and honesty. Moreover, digital payments have the potential to revolutionize the financial landscape for the unbanked segments of the population. By having access to mobile checking accounts, these individuals are provided with a safe and simple introduction to conventional financial services, paving the way towards formal banking. This not only empowers them but also brings them into the realm of financial inclusion. In addition to the aforementioned benefits, consumers can also utilize their mobile wallets as informal savings accounts, allowing them to build significant financial reserves for larger purchases or for use during difficult times. This functionality further enhances the convenience and practicality of digital payments, making them more than just a convenient option; they have the potential to be life-changing for those who have been living beyond the realm of private banking. In conclusion, when considering the logistical challenges of manual recordkeeping, the inconvenience of counting cash, and the security risks associated with cash storage, it is evident that digitalized payments are a superior alternative. The technological nature of digital payments not only reduces the susceptibility to conventional theft but also eliminates disputes over transactional amounts through electronic logging and recording. Furthermore, digital payments offer unbanked individuals the opportunity to enter the formal banking system, while also providing consumers with the ability to save and build financial reserves. Ultimately, digital payments have the potential to transform lives, particularly for those who have been previously excluded from private banking services.
The production of economically priced smart phones has completely revolutionized the way Africans communicate with one another and conduct business, bringing about a remarkable transformation in the continent. With over half a billion mobile subscribers already present throughout Africa, this figure is projected to skyrocket to a staggering 725 million by the year 2020. The availability of affordable smart phones has not only fostered the entrepreneurial spirit but has also played a significant role in the emergence of a wide array of businesses that were previously unheard of in the nation. Furthermore, the increasing accessibility and connectivity that mobile devices offer have sparked a wave of innovative digital services in various sectors. These include but are not limited to health, agriculture, utility, and education. The advent of smart phones has paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in the healthcare industry, enabling remote consultations, diagnoses, and even the monitoring of chronic conditions. By leveraging mobile technology, farmers now have access to real-time weather updates, market prices, and valuable agricultural information, ultimately leading to increased productivity and improved livelihoods. Additionally, smart phones have also facilitated the provision of utility services such as mobile banking and payment solutions, making financial transactions more convenient and secure for individuals across the nation. Moreover, the educational landscape in Africa has been drastically transformed thanks to the widespread availability of smart phones. These devices have become powerful tools for learning, allowing students to access educational resources, online courses, and interactive learning platforms. As a result, individuals in remote areas or underserved communities now have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that were once beyond their reach. In conclusion, the advent of economically priced smart phones has had a profound impact on Africa's communication networks and business landscape. The increasing number of mobile subscribers, coupled with the affordability of these devices, has given rise to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and an unprecedented diversity of business ventures. Moreover, the connectivity and accessibility offered by smart phones have revolutionized various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, utility, and education. As Africa continues to embrace and harness the power of mobile technology, the future holds immense potential for further growth and progress.
Millions of Africans across the continent are currently grappling with considerable challenges when it comes to accessing financial institutions that can provide them with the necessary tools to securely handle their funds. The lack of access to these essential facilities often leaves citizens vulnerable to potential theft or mismanagement of their hard-earned money. Moreover, the absence of such institutions also prevents individuals from establishing savings accounts that could provide them with a much-needed safety net during times of economic recession. In addition to the aforementioned difficulties, many Africans who are fortunate enough to have access to financial services often face significant obstacles such as long travel distances and exorbitant transactional fees. These hindrances not only make it inconvenient for individuals to access their funds but also place an unnecessary burden on their financial well-being. Furthermore, the means through which these individuals transfer money to their distant family and friends are often unreliable and susceptible to mishandling, further exacerbating the issue. However, the advent of mobile wallets has emerged as a powerful tool in leveling the economic playing field by reducing financial inequality. This innovative technology, which is accessible to a massive proportion of Africa's population, has the potential to significantly improve the livelihoods of residents across the continent. By offering a secure and convenient platform for individuals to store and manage their funds, mobile wallets provide an unprecedented level of financial security for millions of Africans. Moreover, mobile wallets also enable individuals to establish savings accounts, thereby empowering them to protect themselves against the uncertainties of economic downturns. This newfound ability to save and accumulate wealth helps individuals build a solid foundation for their future, ensuring that they are better equipped to weather any financial storms that may come their way. Additionally, mobile wallets offer valuable interest-generating bank programs that allow individuals to grow their wealth over time. By providing access to these programs, mobile wallets empower Africans to take control of their financial futures and seize opportunities for economic growth. Overall, the widespread availability and accessibility of mobile wallets have the potential to transform the financial landscape of Africa. By addressing the longstanding barriers that have hindered financial inclusion for millions of Africans, mobile wallets are revolutionizing the way individuals manage their money, offering them unprecedented security and opportunities for economic growth. In doing so, these technological advancements are helping to bridge the gap between the privileged few who have traditionally enjoyed financial services and the millions who have been left behind.
