Governor John Rwangombwa, from co-host National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), officially closed the 2019 AFI GPF by ringing the ceremonial gong three times. In his closing speech, he thanked the participants and organizers while offering some parting words of wisdom for his peers.

“Financial inclusion is a win-win situation for providers and receivers,” he said. “For providers, they can benefit from increased clientele, which, ultimately, increases profitability. While for receivers, their wealth and welfare grows”.

Central Bank of Egypt Deputy Governor Lobna Helal also thanked those involved who shared in putting together the 2019 AFI GPF. She then highlighted the key deliverables achieved at the event, including the launch of two policy models, the introduction of gender inclusion ambassadors, the first Inclusive Green Finance Working Group meeting and the announcement of new multiple strategic partnerships.

“AFI’s 11th GPF is now coming officially to an end, but I am positive that the work done over the past few days has been given us another batch of knowledge, network connections and learnings that will prove instrumental to further achieving our collective objectives,” she said.

Last to speak was AFI Executive Director Dr. Alfred Hannig who thanked BNR for the “warmth, relaxed and personal touch” felt at the forum that made it such a success.

“We go away with a very good feeling and I think that the bar has risen again,” he said. “We’re very happy that you took the responsibility and for all the efforts to make that happen”.

Summarizing some key statistics from the forum, he said that it saw 912 registered participants, of which more than 450 came from 69 member institutions in 59 countries.

Central Bank of Jordan was announced as the 2020 GPF co-host at the end of the closing ceremony.