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Media release

Media release

Absa and Barclays play key role at African Microfinance Conference

14 August 2013

In the quest to improve financial inclusion on the continent, Absa and Barclays have become actively involved in the sixth African Microfinance Conference. Representatives from more than 25 African countries will attend the conference from 12 -15 August 2013 at the Durban International Convention Centre.

Access to formal financial services by low income earners and the poor remains a challenge for more than 80% of the people living in Africa. Many factors contribute to the challenge of access, including cost to clients when interacting with formal financial institutions. At this conference, representatives will discuss these challenges and search for solutions that will benefit the end user.

As main sponsors, Absa and Barclays will optimise this platform to showcase their innovative products and services that are aimed at this sector. The conference also provides a forum to identify the opportunities and challenges within each country.

Craig Bond, Chief Executive Retail and Business Banking will represent Absa and Barclays at the opening panel discussion. He will be joined by senior government representatives and other dignitaries.

Gideon Serfontein, Head: Barclays Africa Citizenship will deliver a key note address at the Gala dinner, outlining Barclays Africa Groups’ citizenship efforts on the continent.

Barclays and Absa’s Inclusive Banking services and products will be on display at the conference.

Through this involvement, they aim to help promote financial inclusion by providing easy-to-understand information speedily and transparently, addressing the needs of customers on the continent.

Using the insights and identifying the challenges emerging through events like these, the Barclays Africa Group aims to move forward with its goal of becoming the “Go-To” bank on the African continent.

14 August 2013

In the quest to improve financial inclusion on the continent, Absa and Barclays have become actively involved in the sixth African Microfinance Conference. Representatives from more than 25 African countries will attend the conference from 12 -15 August 2013 at the Durban International Convention Centre.

Access to formal financial services by low income earners and the poor remains a challenge for more than 80% of the people living in Africa. Many factors contribute to the challenge of access, including cost to clients when interacting with formal financial institutions. At this conference, representatives will discuss these challenges and search for solutions that will benefit the end user.

As main sponsors, Absa and Barclays will optimise this platform to showcase their innovative products and services that are aimed at this sector. The conference also provides a forum to identify the opportunities and challenges within each country.

Craig Bond, Chief Executive Retail and Business Banking will represent Absa and Barclays at the opening panel discussion. He will be joined by senior government representatives and other dignitaries.

Gideon Serfontein, Head: Barclays Africa Citizenship will deliver a key note address at the Gala dinner, outlining Barclays Africa Groups’ citizenship efforts on the continent.

Barclays and Absa’s Inclusive Banking services and products will be on display at the conference.

Through this involvement, they aim to help promote financial inclusion by providing easy-to-understand information speedily and transparently, addressing the needs of customers on the continent.

Using the insights and identifying the challenges emerging through events like these, the Barclays Africa Group aims to move forward with its goal of becoming the “Go-To” bank on the African continent.