Nairobi:A three-day workshop organized by the AfricaNenda Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed to equip journalists with skills to enhance reporting on inclusive instant payment systems and financial inclusion across Africa.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, 18 journalists and three participants from the African Union Commission attended the workshop. Discussions focused on expanding coverage of instant payments beyond technology and transaction volumes to real-life consumer, business, and community experiences.
Dr. Patrick Olomo from the African Union Commission highlighted the importance of effective digital payment systems in reducing financial exclusion across the continent. He emphasized the need for regulatory harmonization to enable seamless digital payments, noting that the initiative seeks to make existing systems interoperable rather than create new infrastructure.
Jacqueline Jumah of AfricaNenda Foundation discussed the feasibility of a harmonized regulatory framework, which includes eight priority areas such as licensing, interoperability standards, and consumer protection. She stressed the necessity of binding continental rules for implementation.
Jude Fuhnwi, AfricaNenda’s Media Lead, noted the workshop’s aim to address gaps in journalists’ understanding of instant payment systems. He encouraged journalists to critically analyze payment systems and report on their effectiveness in rural areas.
Sabine Mensah, Deputy CEO of AfricaNenda, called on journalists to amplify consumer experiences in policy debates, highlighting the media’s role in making the digital finance ecosystem more responsive.
The workshop concluded with participants joining the Africa Media Coalition Advancing Inclusive Instant Payment, and an examination of AfricaNenda’s framework for assessing payment system inclusivity.