Webinars & Courses
A wrap-up of webinars in which I had the privilege to participate and moderate that provided practical knowledge on each subject.
Agent Network Masterclass
A webinar in partnership with Microsave Consulting (MSC).
Extended Course: Reaching Customers with Agent Networks
The average customer acquisition cost is $20 versus VS $7 revenue - McKinsey study" - The end is the beginning"
Despite recent growth in internet connectivity, data penetration in Africa is still low, hovering around 50 per cent on average. And even among that segment of the population, many can't download apps due to data costs and lack of smartphones. This means that traditional channels like online marketing and app downloads simply won't cut it.
But there is a solution. Agent networks offer a low-cost and effective distribution channel for reaching underserved communities in Africa. By partnering with agents, fintechs can overcome the challenges of low data penetration and expand their reach to millions of potential customers.
In this comprehensive course, you'll learn everything you need about building a successful agent network distribution channel in Africa. We'll cover:
The basics of agent networks and how they work
How to identify and recruit the right agents for your business
Strategies for building trust and maintaining relationships with your agents
Tips for managing and optimizing your agent network for maximum impact
3 Case studies of successful fintech using agent networks in Africa
Unlocking Rural CICO Agent Networks for Financial Inclusion
A webinar in partnership with CGAP.
Digital financial services (DFS) have the potential to help low-income individuals become more resilient to climate and personal shocks. They can also take advantage of investment opportunities that enhance their well-being. However, to realise this potential, it is essential to establish far-reaching and comprehensive Cash-In and Cash-Out (CICO) agent networks that blend the informal economy with the new frontiers of the digital economy without disruption. Expanding the agent networks of the CICO system to remote rural areas, where most low-income individuals reside, poses a significant challenge, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
I was invited to share my experience and participate in this webinar, where CGAP unleashed their 5-year research on agent networks at the last mile and explored the significance of CICO agent networks in achieving financial inclusion. It also highlighted the challenges of extending CICO agent networks to rural areas.
The presentation included five key actions that DFS providers, policymakers, regulators, and funders can take to facilitate the expansion of rural agent networks at scale.
Speakers
Sophia Alj | Co-founder & COO, Chari (Morocco)
Amit Kumar Jain | Director & COO, Fino Paytech Limited (India)
Hugo Pacheco | Chief Product Officer, Papersoft aka The Barefoot Economist
Moderator
Emilio Hernandez - Senior Financial Sector Specialist, CGAP
The Synergies between E-commerce and CICO Agent Networks
A webinar in partnership with Papersoft.
How e-commerce can complement agency banking retail unit economics, which typically struggles with the majority of fixed costs and volatile demand for financial services, especially in rural areas,. Innovative solutions, such as turning distributors and GIG workers into mobile agents, allow merchants to cash in/out and help facilitate liquidity while improving their economic viability by additional revenue from becoming float-runners. E-commerce agents can leverage a platform play strategy using technology, such as a Papersoft last mile banking toolkit, to process orders and manage inventory and liquidity, showcasing the power of technology in traditional retail processes.
Agent Network and Competition Playbook
An insightful webinar in partnership with the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) and the University of Ghana.
The impact of competition in digital financial services and agent network development across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Explore global perspectives and research insights from Ghana and Indonesia on the competitive dynamics within the agent network industry. This inaugural webinar, a part of the ReFinD Webinar Series, unites academia, policymakers, and industry experts for an evidence-based discussion on innovation, impactful policies, and the future of financial accessibility in LMICs.
Special participations from 🇧🇩 Bkash Limited MoMo, 🇹🇿 National Payment System Bank of Tanzania, 🇬🇭 ReFinD and 🇪🇹 Axiom Superagent.
Agent-as-a-service: The Next phase for service delivery in Africa
A webinar in partnership with Financial Inclusion Week. Special participation from Tala Ahmadi.
Leveraging technology for efficient agent network management
A webinar in partnership with Shega and UNCDF that explored the challenges, opportunities, and best practices in agent network management.
Industry experts and speakers Hugo Pacheco, Sam Brawerman, Tafesework Negussie, and Mike McCaffrey, shared valuable insights from successful case studies and strategies that promote economic growth and reduce poverty. During the open forum, participants and speakers discussed different use cases, exploring the most effective and practical ways of incorporating technology and innovative solutions that address agents' working capital challenges.