Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a well known fact that the Covid 19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide in the last three years, and Zambia is no exception. While the significant adverse impacts of the pandemic on global economic growth are subsiding, the pandemic is still a risk for future economic growth and consequently financial inclusion. I therefore encourage everyone to get vaccinated and continue adhering to health guidelines as prescribed by the authorities in order to protect ourselves and our communities. Ladies and Gentlemen, the contribution of the financial sector towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and its underlying principles is being undertaken through the implementation of the National Financial Sector Development Policy, the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, the Rural Finance Policy and Strategy, the Capital Markets Development Plan and the National Strategy on Financial Education. These financial sector strategies aim to broaden and deepen the types of financial services in the banking, capital markets, microfinance, insurance and pensions sectors as well as to promote financial inclusion. As financial sector regulators, we have vested interest in ensuring that the financial sector is innovative, responsive to demand for financial services and that it supports Zambia's economic growth, while maintaining stability. It is essential therefore, that the financial sector continues to expand its portfolio of products and services by leveraging reforms, digital innovations and targeted outreach.

This information helps individuals and businesses to increase their awareness on the number of ways to save and invest their financial resources, as well as how to manage their financial affairs safely in an increasingly digitized environment. Ladies and Gentlemen, technology and innovation in the financial sector has played a major role in raising the level of financial inclusion in the country over the last five years. According to the FinScope 2020 Survey, while overall financial inclusion increased to 69.4 percent, from 59.3 percent in 2015, formal financial inclusion rose significantly to 61.3 percent from 38.2 percent. This was largely due to the uptake of mobile money, which went up exponentially by 58.4 percent from 14.0 percent. Invited Guests, the use of digital financial platforms for the payment of retail and public services, including Government services has significant benefits to consumers and service providers alike. Digital platforms facilitate relatively safe, efficient and  2/4  BIS - Central bankers' speeches  convenient service delivery and allows for tracking of financial transactions. With regard to Government related services, the use of digital platforms is expected to enhance revenue collection and contribute positively to the national Treasury. This notwithstanding, the rise in the use of Digital Financial Services has also introduced significant risks for individuals as well as for financial service providers. To address these risks, there is greater need to enhance cyber security and raise awareness about fraud to secure higher uptake and protect the consumers of digital financial services.