Johnson Pandit Asiama Says Africa Is Driving Global Financial Innovation

Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Pandit Asiama, says Africa is no longer watching the global financial revolution from the sidelines but is now playing a leading role in shaping the future of digital finance and innovation. Speaking at the closing session of the 3i Africa Summit 2026 in Accra on Friday, May 8, 2026, Dr Asiama described the current period as a “rebirth of Africa’s digital and financial ecosystem.” The summit, themed The Next Frontier: Shaping Africa’s Integrated Fintech Future, brought together regulators, policymakers, fintech founders, investors, development partners, and students from across Africa and beyond. According to the BoG Governor, discussions at the summit highlighted the need for stronger collaboration and practical action to boost innovation, improve trade integration, and expand financial inclusion across the continent. Dr Asiama also pointed to Ghana’s recent economic gains, including the stability of the cedi, lower inflation, and improved GDP growth. He noted that inflation dropped to 3.4 percent in April 2026, while Ghana’s economy grew by 6.0 percent in 2025. He further highlighted major regulatory reforms such as the amendment of the Bank of Ghana Act, the passage of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025, and new cybersecurity and digital credit regulations aimed at strengthening confidence in the financial sector. The Governor announced new initiatives to support fintech growth, including an Innovation Hub, a Continental FinTech Sandbox, and the National FinTech Inclusion Programme. He also urged African regulators to work together to harmonise financial systems and support seamless cross-border financial services. Dr Asiama encouraged investors to take advantage of Africa’s growing fintech opportunities and advised innovators to prioritise consumer trust and good governance.