Date: Friday 01 July 2016

Time: 5pm to 6.30pm (Reception 6.30pm to 7.30pm)

Venue: The Royal Institute of International Affairs- Chatham House, 10 St James's Square, London SW1Y

The African Foundation for Development (AFFORD) would like to invite you to its 16th annual event African Diaspora and Development Day (AD3) on Friday 01 July 2016 in partnership with the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House.

AD3 serves as a platform for networking and the sharing of knowledge, information and best practice, with UK, African and other multi-lateral policymakers.

This year the focus will be on financial inclusion as we have seen that despite the impressive growth rates witnessed in many African countries over the past decade, for growth to be sustainable and for development to be widely spread, it is imperative that all sections of society are financially included. The data shows that Africa is falling behind other continents when it comes to inclusive financing, with only 34% of adults having a bank account and 16% of adults having formal savings; the second lowest of any region in the world (World Bank, 2014). The diaspora, in particular, have had limited access to formal financial structures and products, which has minimised their role as investors and entrepreneurs in Africa.

This event will bring together experts and representatives from institutions in the field who will discuss how they are addressing broadening financial access to the excluded. It will examine current and innovative methods for addressing the financial inclusion gap; discuss what policy or infrastructure areas need attention to bridge this gap; and identify ways forward.

Speakers include:

• Edward George, Head of Group research in Ecobank
• Eric V. Guichard, CEO of Homestrings
• Josephine Osikena, Director of the Foreign Policy Centre

AD3 is a continued step towards Africa's transformation and we hope you will be able to attend this year’s event, where there will be substantive exchange of experiences and ideas.