Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for a shift in Africa’s financial sector development strategy, urging stakeholders to prioritise human empowerment as the foundation for building resilient and inclusive markets.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2026 ACI World Congress in Accra, she said financial systems can only remain sustainable when the people who operate, regulate, and participate in them are adequately empowered with skills, ethics, and adaptability to modern technology.
The two-day congress, organised by ACI Ghana in collaboration with the Bank of Ghana under the theme “Elevating Markets, Empowering People,” brought together central bank governors, financial experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from more than 60 countries to discuss the future of Africa’s financial architecture.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed that markets are ultimately human-driven systems, where trust, integrity, and institutional strength determine long-term stability.
She noted that Africa’s growing youth population, expanding digital economy, and entrepreneurial energy represent key advantages that must be deliberately harnessed through investment in education and skills development.
According to her, global economic pressures such as inflation, debt challenges, geopolitical tensions, and technological disruption make it even more urgent for African economies to build institutions anchored on ethics and public trust.
She also highlighted the rising role of artificial intelligence in financial systems, urging stakeholders to adopt new technologies without losing human accountability and oversight.
Maame Adjoa Thompson, Vice President of ACI Ghana, echoed the call for stronger training and professional development in the sector, adding that ACI Ghana will translate discussions from the congress into practical initiatives to strengthen financial markets across Africa.
