BB, AFI jointly holds 'Joint Learning Programme'

A Joint Learning Programme on Advancing Women’s Financial Inclusion, Leveraging Disaggregated Data and Digital Financial Service was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Banani, Dhaka, from February 3 to 6, 2025, under the joint initiative of Bangladesh Bank and Alliance For Financial Inclusion (AFI).

Alliance For Financial Inclusion (AFI) was established in 2008 with the aim of enhancing sustainable financial inclusion activities through mutual knowledge exchange, experience sharing, data sharing, and discussions among policymakers from developing and emerging economies. Currently, 83 countries and 170 institutions are members of AFI, and Bangladesh Bank became a member in 2003. Since joining, Bangladesh Bank officials have made significant contributions through participation in various forums such as the AFI board, working groups, and committees.

This year’s workshop was attended by 41 trainees from AFI member institutions, representing 32 countries from different regions, including Bangladesh. The opening of the training workshop was conducted by Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur. The Chief Executive Officer of AFI, Kamil Benali, joined the opening ceremony virtually. Also present at the inauguration were Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Mohammad Habibur Rahman and Executive Director Husne Ara Sikha. Over the course of four days, other prominent figures present included Bangladesh Bank Executive Directors Rup Ratan Pain and Mohammad Khosru Parvez, along with senior officials from AFI and Bangladesh Bank.

The majority of the participants in this workshop were women officials working in leadership roles at central banks and other institutions around the world. As part of the training program, in addition to discussions, an exhibition showcasing the products produced by several women entrepreneurs from Bangladesh was organized. During the training, participants were able to better understand the practical aspects of financial inclusion at the grassroots level, which was facilitated by the exhibition. They expressed their gratitude to the organizers for such an event.

The speakers, along with the participants, discussed how existing policies related to financial inclusion and women entrepreneurs could be made more relevant and effective. The participants also shared their experiences from their respective countries. The workshop, which was attended by participants from various regions of the world, was not only a training session but also an experience-sharing platform. It is hoped that the positive exchange of ideas will contribute to improving financial inclusion initiatives in various countries.