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As the EU embarks on a new institutional cycle, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture, facing multifaceted challenges. As Raiffeisen Bank International AG, a banking group active in 12 countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), we suggest the following key priorities for a bright European future:   ➡️ Financial Stability and Growth Understanding the impacts of monetary policy shifts, RBI underscores the urgency of resilient, sustainable fiscal strategies. We endorse the completion of the Banking Union and reinforce the call for an empowered Economic and Monetary Union to underpin stable economic expansion. Advocating for an environment conducive to investment, we see the Capital Markets Union as vital in bridging the gap between savings and Europe’s investment imperatives and as crucial for stimulating SME growth. ➡️ Sustainable and Digital Transition Digital innovation and sustainability are dual engines of growth RBI believes must be accelerated. RBI is committed to the green transition, advocating for regulatory frameworks that balance environmental ambitions with economic viability. Embracing digital innovation, we stress the creation of an innovation-friendly regulatory climate, in alignment with the EU’s initiatives for a greener, more connected future. ➡️ EU Enlargement and Integration RBI recognizes the profound role of EU enlargement in ensuring the long-term well-being of the Western Balkan region and Ukraine. We encourage the EU’s strategic and thoughtful expansion, based on clear accession criteria. The integration of the Western Balkans and Ukraine is crucial, as it enhances the very foundation of the European economic landscape, securing both prosperity and stability. RBI stands ready to contribute to Europe’s vibrant future. Join us in our mission to build a resilient, sustainable, innovative, and economically thriving Europe! #RBIPositions #BankingUnion #SustainableFinance #DigitalInnovation #EUEnlargement --- 📷: © European Parliament and European Commission

At the Semafor Fall World Economic Summit, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, shared insights on the transformative potential of East Africa's economy. He highlighted the critical role of regional integration in boosting cross-border trade, alongside significant investments in infrastructure and energy as key drivers of sustainable growth. He stated, “If we can leverage global markets to supply our region with adequate capital, we have the potential to lead the entire African continent in development. Our innovations in financial technology and infrastructure can be a game-changer for our economies.” Dr. Mwangi is optimistic about East Africa's future, emphasizing that with the right investments and strategies, the region can position itself as a leader on the continent, creating vast opportunities for both the economy and Equity Group. #AfricaRecoveryandResiliencePlan #EastAfrica #EconomicGrowth SEMAFOR Follow the discussion: https://lnkd.in/dU4SXccG

Yesterday was the International Day of Family Remittances! ❓Did you know? In 2022, low- and middle-income countries received $647 billion in remittances via official channels, according to World Bank estimates   ➡ That makes remittances larger than foreign direct investment and official development assistance received by these countries.   ✏ Remittances are among the most tangible links between migration and development.    Join us by exploring MPI’s remittance data tools and information resources:  ⭕ Check out our up-to-date Global Remittances Guide: https://lnkd.in/gM8Wwvvy  ⭕ Learn how remittances have been among the most powerful tools in Bangladesh’s economic outlook: https://lnkd.in/g7yQVQuq  ⭕ Read about how fintech could boost migrants’ inclusion in financial systems and shape the ways they send money home in our report: https://lnkd.in/gF36_3Xh   #FamilyRemittances

"Last year, remittances to the global south totaled a chunky $656 billion, with projections to hit $690 billion by 2025. For perspective, FDI clocked in at about $400 billion and ODA at around $224 billion" (Devex, today's report). Nations in the Global South that adopt strategic measures to attract and increase their share of remittances will significantly outpace those hampered by regulatory, banking, or bureaucratic hurdles. Addressing these obstacles is critical for countries in the Global South to create a conducive environment for remittance inflows. Policymakers should develop comprehensive human resource strategies that focus on leveraging remittances without encouraging the mass scale of the right brain drain. Since COVID-19, the upward trend in remittance flows, from North to South, has changed the FDI and ODA landscape and continues to change the international development arena and sector investments. Practitioners and development practices should better equip themselves for this shift. This theme must be one of the cores of resilience, human resources development, and governance investments. #Remittances #SustainableDevelopment #GlobalEconomy

🎤 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁-𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀! Join Ramatoulaye GOUDIABY and Adil ABDELALI on Atlantic Radio Officiel 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗼 as they delve into the significant trends impacting African economies, particularly the withdrawal of European banking interests from the region. 🎧 Discover more about how these strategic financial shifts are reshaping investment landscapes across Africa. 🖇 Listen to the full discussion now: https://bit.ly/3UuANQH #Finance #InvestmentTrends #Banking #AfricanEconomy #EuropeanBanks #StrategicShifts #AtlanticRadio

“Your Banking system is so stuck in the 60s’” Last week I had the opportunity to join a roundtable discussion hosted by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, where four African #journalists, Grace Obike, Maryagatha Gichana, Adwoa A., Kwaku Krobea Asante shared their perspectives on how Germany is viewed across the continent.  I’m glad that the #KAS created a space to hear insights directly from African voices—something we don’t do often enough. We frequently talk #about the continent, but rarely #with it, to understand how our actions and policies are truly received. My 5 key Takeaways: 👉 Germany’s Waning Influence While Germany has a positive image, its influence is minimal compared to China, Russia, and even the Netherlands. China, in particular, is highly visible, building critical infrastructure like airports and bridges, where Germany once led. China is no longer just associated with “cheap goods” but is now seen as delivering quality infrastructure projects. 👉 Banking and Bureaucracy—Stuck in the Past Some African nations, like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, are ahead of Germany in areas like banking and access to information. Germany's banking system was humorously described as being "stuck in the 1960s." 👉 Changing the Narrative The perception of Africa still revolves around aid and poverty, but this narrative vastly underestimates the continent's potential. Africa is home to a dynamic, entrepreneurial youth population with immense capacity for innovation. 👉 Direct Investment Over Workshops A key criticism is that while China and Russia focus on tangible projects, Germany often spends time on workshops and strategy sessions. Development aid doesn’t always reach those who need it most. The journalists stressed the importance of direct investment in youth and SMEs—areas where real job creation and impact occur. Visible, immediate results matter more than discussions at policy levels. 👉 Concerns About China and Russia While China and Russia are more present and impactful, their growing influence is seen critically. There is a fear that Africa’s dependence on these powers could lead to a new form of colonialism, where economic ties morph into political control. The discussion highlighted the need for Germany to rethink its approach if it truly wants to support Africa's growth in a meaningful and visible way. Direct action, investment in local businesses, and being more present in media and showing what is done can lead to better outcomes. Thanks to Henri Bohnet, Hendrik Sittig und Stefan Friedrich for organising this evening. 🗣️ What are your thoughts on this? Should Germany take a more hands-on approach in Africa, or is its current strategy enough? #Africa #Germany #China #Development #Entrepreneurship #KonradAdenauerStiftung #SMEs #YouthEmpowerment #GlobalDevelopment

Africa Prosperity Network (APN), organisers of the annual Africa Prosperity Dialogues, in collaboration with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, is set to organise an international symposium as part of the heightened camapign for achieving payment systems interoperability across the African continent. The high-powered symposium, which will take place on 5 July 2024, in Accra, at the Labadi Beach Hotel, will be held under the theme: “Scaling Up Interoperability — Using Mobile Money to Buy & Sell Across Africa.” The interoperability challenge In today’s interconnected world, access to financial services is critical for economic growth and development. Mobile interoperability is a key component of Africa’s payment infrastructure, with the potential to significantly enhance cross-border payments across the continent. Despite regional integration efforts, market fragmentation persists, hindering economic activities.

An insight into the new Ethiopian Financial market liberalization that is taking effect on July 29, 2024. #capitalmarketet #ethiopia #finance #marketliberalization #liberalization #financialmarket Ethiopian Capital Market Authority Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia https://lnkd.in/dskebTR3

"I believe that not only are we a money Bank, but the most value we bring is as a knowledge Bank". Ajay Banga recently emphasized the importance of the World Bank Group Institute for Economic Development in fostering global collaborations and sharing #Ideas4Impact to address critical development challenges. At the recent conference Italy and the World Bank Group: Partnering for Africa's Prosperity, hosted by the Bank of Italy in collaboration with the World Bank and Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, the need for knowledge-driven solutions was clear. Learn more about how the Institute will turn ideas into action https://lnkd.in/d9pZxdZp

How can we promote greater financial inclusion for businesses and households in #CentralAmerica, #Mexico, #Panama, and the #DominicanRepublic? Discover the analysis on credit and #financialinclusion in the region in the English version of the report from the Inter-American Development Bank. It proposes policies to accelerate inclusion, emphasizing National Financial Inclusion Strategies, financial education, interest rates, the competitive environment, and digital financial inclusion. Download the report for free here https://lnkd.in/edNw7VyN Rocio Medina-Bolivar Tomás Bermúdez, Arnoldo Lopez Marmolejo, Melanie Jiménez Montero, Carlos Eggers Prieto, Lucia Martin, Josue Sibaja, Maria Cecilia Deza Sergio Navajas, Marcelo Paz, Christian Schneider