, will provide a framework through which we will jointly determine effective policy solutions to advance mfs across the african continent while recognising the unique circumstances, environments, conditions and needs of each country within the region. specifically, ampi will seek to launch new, or expand on existing mfs policy, regulatory initiatives and strategies with the objective of deepening the penetration of mfs across africa in line with our national agendas and policy priorities, including the maya declarations, where they apply. further, ampi will provide a platform for regional networking and cooperation. african afi members will be in a position to share experiences and address policy issues which are common in nature. this is expected to help us develop effective solutions, policy strategies and regulatory frameworks that will be beneficial not only to africa but also to the wider afi network. ladies and gentlemen, it is envisaged that ampi ’ s broad objectives will be achieved through tailored activities which include ; • tapping into the synergies and experiences of the afi african members ; bis central bankers ’ speeches • mapping of comparative case studies on policies and regulatory implications of new business models ; • advancement of research, studies and exchange of knowledge and experiences around mfs ; • supporting the implementation of the maya declaration commitments relating to mfs ; and • secondment / attachment of staff / members to different organisations of african afi member countries for further learning. to successfully operationalise the ampi initiative, we propose to establish an ampi help desk, but not necessarily a physical one, which will provide all technical coordination towards the implementation of ampi ’ s objectives and activities. the key mandates of this help desk will be focused on facilitating communication of the results and progress of ampi, enabling engagement among the afi members and external stakeholders and ensuring synchronization of the overall afi strategy towards enhancing mfs in africa. in addition, it will contribute to our fulfilment of the maya declaration commitments relating to mfs. we will discuss, sharpen and adopt this proposal over the next two days. ladies and gentlemen, it is my ardent belief that this initiative will go a long way in enhancing financial inclusion in africa. ampi will pave the way for us to create an enabling environment to support the delivery of financial services through mobile phone technology and other emerging technologies, leading to increased penetration of mfs in africa. in addition, through the interaction between members and the external stakeholders, ampi will serve as a peer learning and knowledge platform for afi

central bank of kenya impact investment forum : african rural and agricultural credit association ( afraca ) 4oth anniversary kenya school of monetary studies, nairobi keynote address by dr. patrick njoroge governor of the central bank of kenya november 21, 2017 as prepared for delivery ladies and gentlemen, good morning! forty years is a milestone. some argue that it is when middle age begins – you look back fondly at the things of your youth, but also look forward to using your experience and wisdom to achieve long - held goals. i am thus glad that you welcomed me to your birthday celebrations, and allowed me to share in such a significant moment. in 1977 the african rural and agricultural credit association ( afraca ) was created in response to a request made to the united nations food and agriculture organisation ( fao ), during the 1975 world food conference. this request, was that fao assist developing member countries establish regional agricultural credit associations ( racas ). the purpose of this racas was to promote cooperation and facilitate mutual exchange of information and expertise in the field of rural finance. some background research into afraca unearths a number of gems that indicate that you have been at the forefront in driving the rural and agricultural finance agenda in africa. you have had, and continue to have, a strong desire to turn regional diversity into a powerful driving force and catalyst for exchange, capacity building and cooperation to promote rural finance. i am deeply honoured to be part of this campaign to revolutionize finance for african agriculture. and we have something in common, for we at the central bank of kenya, share a similar vision, “ of a rural africa where everyone has access to sustainable financial services that support economic development, while maintaining social and environmental balance ”. that said, the task is enormous — nearly two - thirds of africa ’ s population depend on agriculture for their livelihood and the sector contributes over 40 percent of the continent ’ s gdp. i am very pleased today to be part of this first impact investment forum commemorating afraca ’ s 40th anniversary. the theme of the conference “ unlocking private sector capital to scale up impact investments in african agriculture ” promises to be a story of shifting the reality of agricultural finance as we know it today. africa has in the past relied largely on official development assistance and domestic public funding to address socio - economic challenges, many of which have few market - based solutions. we all know that these traditional funding flows have been on the decline over the last decade ; and