Ghana initially lagged behind other African countries when it came to mobile money adoption, but fast forward to 2020, and Ghana is now the fastest growing mobile money market in Africa. How did the country pull this off?

In this episode, we go deep into the origins of mobile money in Ghana, its early challenges, and how numerous organizations successfully came together to take this technology mainstream.

Among the many guests who help break it down for us are Archie Hesse, CEO of Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), and Bruno Akpaka, the first General Manager of MTN Mobile Money in Ghana.

Listen to learn how Ghana became one of the fastest growing mobile money markets in Africa.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT

0:00 — Introduction

02:00 — Mobile Money 101 - A timeline of Ghana's journey

03:37 — Enter GhIPSS - controller of the spaghetti junction

06:44 — The Bank of Ghana and GhIPSS' first attempts at improving financial inclusion

11:24 — The rise and fall of bank-led branchless banking

13:30 — The rise of MTN Mobile Money

19:01 — [Paystack Product Alert] Introducing Paystack Transfers paystack.com

20:03 — The early days of MTN Mobile Money in Ghana

23:42 — The first iteration of mobile money in Ghana

25:42 — Improving financial inclusion through mobile money interoperability and agent distribution

29:06 — The role of mobile money in Ghana's financial system

LINKSConnect with Kwami Williams on LinkedInCheck out Kwami's companies Moringa Connect and Thrive TogetherConnect with Archie Hesse on LinkedInLearn more about GhIPSSConnect with Bruno Akpaka on LinkedInLearn more about MTN Mobile MoneyConnect with Nana Ama Yankah on LinkedInCheck Nana Ama's company NAYA by AfricaCheck out CGAP: Consultative Group to Assist the PoorLearn more about the Bank of GhanaFOLLOW US

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