Fidelity Bank Ghana demonstrates its support for Financial Inclusion in Africa

In support of the promotion of Financial Inclusion and Corporate Sustainability in Africa,

Fidelity Bank Ghana participated and presented its Smart Account and Agency Banking services at the just ended 2014 Edition of the Africa CEO Roundtable & Conference on Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility (AR-CSRTM), which took place from June 19 – 20, 2014 at the Tinapa Business Resort, Calabar, Cross River State and organized by ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited.

Dr. William Derban, Director for Financial Inclusion at Fidelity Bank Ghana presented a paper on the topic, Financial Inclusion and Economic Development: Evolutions, Innovations and Challenges, and on Financial Literacy and Inclusion in rural Africa: Access or Usage.

He stressed the fact that financial literacy had limited impact if people were not also provided with appropriate products and services. He demonstrated how Fidelity Bank was transforming lives by using their innovative Smart accounts for over a 100,000 customers. The bank, which is the first to pioneer Agency Banking in Ghana, last year, has opened over 200 Fidelity Smart Agents where many people can deposit and withdraw cash in addition to a range of financial transactions at selected retail shops.

“Fidelity Bank is building Financial Capability through its innovative Smart Account and Agency Banking and is already revolutionising banking in Ghana. It is an honour to bring our work to an Africa wide audience and demonstrate how Ghana through Fidelity Bank is one of the banks leading the way in full inclusion in Africa”, said Dr. Derban.

The event was attended by representatives from the government sector, private sector, donor and NGO sector and academia. Among the key presenters were Senator LiyelImoke Executive Governor, Cross River State, Nigeria, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Alex Otti, Group Managing Director, Diamond Bank PLC, Nigeria.

The AR-CSR™ provides an opportunity for professional networking with businesses around the continent.The conference, which is in its 4thyear, has successfully brought together key stakeholders to engage one another on emerging trends and common objectives of fostering sustainable development in Africa.