The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has unveiled an ambitious roadmap that seeks to usher in a cashless era, prioritizing financial inclusion and economic growth.

Through the partnership, the two entities will provide small businesses in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt with an online platform, powered by SAVA’s Payment Transaction System, that includes digital bank accounts and accounting integration tools.

The National Treasury yesterday published the Financial Inclusion Policy Framework for South Africa, titled “An Inclusive Financial Sector for All” following the endorsement and approval of the policy framework by Cabinet on 8 August 2023.

This ZAR 60 billion (≈ USD 3.3 billion) investment is expected to contribute significantly to enhancing network resilience, further accelerating Vodacom’s deep rural coverage program to help bridge the digital divide and deepening financial inclusion.

More than 40 percent of the loan amount was allocated to energy efficient housing projects, i.e. purchase of new energy efficient apartments, as well as individual house constructions and renovations.

Attracted financial means will be directed towards the development of micro, small and medium-sized businesses in Armenia.

The project allows for financing of various loan purposes, for example purchase of housing from primary and secondary markets, renovation, and single-family house construction.

The company aims to solve the problem of informal areas not having access to payments systems in the digital age.

This new office in Yerevan, Armenia aims to strengthen Symbiotics' long-standing presence in the region and further support its growth.

ACBA has committed to use the proceeds of the Sustainability Bond for both social and green projects, in line with the ICMA Sustainability Bond Principles.