Namibia Hosts 2025 Global Policy Forum on Inclusive Finance

Namibia Hosts 2025 Global Policy Forum on Inclusive Finance. The Bank of Namibia, in partnership with the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), recently hosted the 2025 Global Policy Forum (GPF) under the theme “Empowering Society and Enabling Growth.” The high-level gathering brought together policymakers, regulators, innovators, and thought leaders from around the world to share experiences and shape policies that advance inclusive finance as a driver of sustainable economic development.

In his opening remarks, Bank of Namibia Governor Johannes !Gawaxab underscored the significance of financial inclusion, stressing that it should not be treated as a peripheral issue. He pointed out that evidence demonstrates a strong link between financial inclusion and national growth. “Countries with higher levels of financial inclusion, leveraging digital financial services, enjoy faster GDP growth and greater resilience in times of crisis,” he said.

The Forum highlighted the role of technology in expanding access to financial services, particularly for underserved populations such as women, youth, and small businesses. Participants discussed innovations in digital banking, mobile money, and regulatory frameworks designed to ensure safe, accessible, and sustainable financial ecosystems.

As AFI’s flagship event, the Global Policy Forum has become a platform for peer learning and collaboration, enabling member institutions to align strategies with global best practices while addressing local realities. This year’s discussions emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with consumer protection and financial literacy to ensure that inclusive finance translates into long-term social transformation.

Namibia’s hosting of the Forum reinforced the country’s role in shaping global financial policy dialogue and highlighted its commitment to ensuring that economic growth is both inclusive and resilient.