Over the past years, many low-income countries have undergone extensive financial reforms. Despite these reforms, many households and enterprises, especially in Africa, are still unable to participate in the financial sector. While it is well known that financial institutions and markets can help induce economic growth, it is much less clear how financial development can become inclusive and kick start a process of sustainable economic growth with a positive effect on the poor.

This event will discuss the major developments regarding research on financial inclusion, including financial technologies (Fintech) and field experiments applied to microfinance. It will shed much light on how financial inclusion can induce sustainable growth in low-income economies, with explicit attention to African countries.

Three interactive lectures will be delivered by high-profile speakers from the University of Groningen (Netherlands), Université Laval (Canada) and SOAS University of London. Ample attention will be given to group discussions. The event will be hosted by Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) in Nairobi.

Designed for practitioners, think-tanks, policy makers and researchers, it is expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English.