Bank of Namibia Pushes Inclusive Payments Agenda at Thought Leadership Event

Bank of Namibia Pushes Inclusive Payments Agenda at Thought Leadership Event. The Bank of Namibia convened its flagship Payments Thought Leadership Event under the theme “Inclusive Payments, Shared Prosperity: Charting the Next Era.” The gathering brought together regulators, fintech companies, telecom operators, insurers, non-bank players, and traditional banks to examine how payment systems can drive inclusive growth and economic resilience.

Central to the discussions was a guiding question: How can inclusive and resilient payment systems foster prosperity? The event underscored how the payments landscape is being shaped by both rapid technological advances and shifting human behaviour. Speakers called for an inclusive vision that grounds shared prosperity in everyday financial choices, ensuring that digital transformation benefits society as a whole.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Hon. Emma Theofelus, highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure, legal certainty, and cybersecurity as critical enablers of inclusion. She noted that these elements form the foundation on which innovation and trust in digital finance can thrive.

Deputy Governor of the Bank of Namibia, Leonie Dunn, described payments as “the digital bridge of trust.” She outlined progress made in modernising Namibia’s payment ecosystem and emphasised the role of resilient systems in building confidence and enabling access for businesses and individuals alike.

Fireside dialogues further explored key themes shaping the sector, including cross-border efficiency, the influence of consumer behaviour on adoption of digital payment solutions, and the potential of real-time innovation to deliver broader social and economic impact.