Sustaining Inclusive MSME Reforms: The Inauguration of the Impact Advisory Group (IAG)
Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remain the heartbeat of the economy, powering innovation, creating jobs, and driving inclusive growth across communities. Yet, for millions of entrepreneurs, particularly women, young people, and persons with disabilities, access to inclusive finance and supportive policy environments remains an ongoing challenge. Recognising the need to deepen and sustain […]
The Search for Good Market Conduct in Nigeria’s Agent Banking Ecosystem
On October 6th, 2025, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released a fresh and more stringent set of Guidelines for the Operations of Agent Banking in Nigeria. The move is timely, perhaps overdue. As agent banking continues to grow into a critical delivery channel, especially for bridging the gap between formal finance and underserved markets, […]
Rethinking Social Investments in Nigeria: From Relief to Resilience
Social investments refer to public policies and programmes designed to protect people from poverty and economic shocks, while expanding opportunities for transitioning out of poverty. These initiatives typically involve non-contributory transfers in cash or kind, paired with services that enhance capabilities and livelihoods. They are often described them as social safety net instruments that help […]
CBN’s 2025 Agent Banking Operational Guidelines: Misconceptions and Realities
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released the 2025 Agent Banking Operational Guidelines, a consolidated framework designed to make agent banking safer, more transparent, and more accountable. The new rules introduce key changes such as the “One Principal Rule,” dedicated agent accounts, geo-fenced PoS devices, transaction and withdrawal limits, and mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) […]
EFInA CEO Honoured at the MSME and Finance CEOs Awards 2025
EFInA CEO Honoured for Outstanding Leadership and Sustained Impact in Advancing MSME Finance and Promoting Financial Inclusion in Nigeria
Brand and Communications Manager, EFInA, Oluchi Okafor (left); Chief Executive Officer, EFInA, Foyinsolami Akinjayeju; and Executive Director, North & Public Sector, Keystone Bank, Abubakar Usman Bello, during the presentation of The Financial Inclusion Partner CEO of the Year Award at the MSME Finance and CEO Awards 2025. Lagos, Nigeria – November 1, 2025 – Enhancing […]
Join Our Team: Gender Centre of Excellence (GCE) Manager
Join EFInA’s Gender Centre of Excellence (GCE) to drive women’s financial inclusion in Nigeria and across Africa. This role supports the design and implementation of gender-responsive policies, products, and services that empower low-income women and the unbanked. From strategy implementation and stakeholder engagement to research, advocacy, and programme design, you’ll be at the heart of […]
Open Banking in Nigeria: Misconceptions and Realities
The Central Bank of Nigeria is set to launch Open Banking in 2025 as part of measures to deepen financial inclusion. But what is open banking? Imagine walking into a store that already knows your preferences, needs, and budget, but only because you gave permission to share that information. That’s the essence of Open Banking. […]
Beyond Access: Putting Financial Health at the Core of Nigeria’s Financial Inclusion Strategy
Nigeria’s Financial Inclusion Journey In a decade and a half, Nigeria has made undeniable progress. Formal financial access rose from 26% in 2008 to 64% in 2023, supported by three successive strategies: The first strategy document (NFIS 1.0, 2012–2018) sought to achieve a financial inclusion rate of 80% (by 2020), up from a baseline of […]
Beyond Access: Turning Financial Inclusion into Financial Resilience in Nigeria
Beyond Access: Turning Financial Inclusion into Financial Resilience in Nigeria Reviewing the 2025 Global Findex Through A2F Lens About the Findex Report The Global Findex Survey, conducted by the World Bank every three years, is the world’s largest dataset on how adults save, borrow, make payments, and manage financial risks. Covering 140+ countries, it offers […]
