S2 EP3 - Transforming Remittances Into Opportunity Across the African Continent

Remittances are a vital financial lifeline for millions of African families, helping to strengthen household resilience, advance financial inclusion and support local economic growth. 

Across much of the continent, remittances have traditionally been received in cash, typically between US$200 and US$300 per transaction, often involving long travel times and the risks associated with carrying money. 

Through the EU-funded PRIME Africa Programme, implemented by IFAD’s Financing Facility for Remittances (FFR), the remittance ecosystem in seven African countries has become more digital, inclusive and connected.

The episode brings together voices from IFAD, the private sector and public institutions to discuss what it really takes to build inclusive remittance ecosystems and how the growing diaspora economy can unlock deeper financial inclusion. 

Meet The Guests

Pedro De Vasconcelos - Programme Manager - Financing Facility for Remittances (FFR), IFAD

Pedro is IFAD’s Lead Senior Technical Specialist on remittances, migration and inclusive finance.  Under his leadership, the FFR financed over 70 innovative projects globally on migration and economic development by maximizing the impact of remittances and migrant investment in their communities of origin. 
 

Samuel Abbey Dodoo - Head, Inclusive Banking, Fidelity Bank Ghana

Samuel Abbey Dodoo is a Financial Inclusion strategist and Head of Inclusive Banking at Fidelity Bank Ghana. With over 15 years of experience, Samuel has led transformative initiatives that leverage technology to expand access to finance for youth, women, and underserved communities. He has spearheaded projects such as Digital Microcredit (Bosea Loan) Ecosystems and Gender-focused Digital Financial Literacy programmes.

Sait Ceesay - Director, APS International

Sait Ceesay is the Managing Director of APS International, a UK-based financial services company specialising in money remittance and services for the Gambian diaspora. Under his leadership, the firm operates in 17 countries, providing instant money transfers and top-up services.

Emmanuel Ssemambo - Head of External Statistics Division, Bank of Uganda (BoU)

Emmanuel Ssemambo oversees the compilation of Uganda’s Balance of Payments (BoP) and International Investment Position (IIP) statistics, which encompass the country’s trade in goods and services with the rest of the world, official and private transfers (including remittances), as well as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and other financial flows.

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Financial Inclusion Unlocked is produced by SIJ Media and hosted by Jack Farren.

About Our Sponsor

CGAP is a global partnership of more than 40 development organizations working to advance the lives of people living in poverty through financial inclusion. Housed at the World Bank, it works at the frontier of inclusive finance to test solutions, spark innovation, generate evidence, and share insights. As a global public good, its independent research and analysis is available to all.

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