ISSER Makes Strides with ReFinD Initiative, Onboards New Partners to Drive Financial Inclusion

The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), through its flagship Retail Finance Distribution (ReFinD) Initiative, is making significant strides in advancing financial inclusion. With new partnerships signed with Ecobank Ghana and Mobile Money Ltd (MTN Ghana), ISSER is strengthening research-driven solutions to enhance financial service delivery to underserved communities across Ghana and beyond.

Launched under the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s funding, ReFinD is a research initiative focused on deepening digital financial inclusion for women, low-income households, SMEs and other retail businesses in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The initiative provides sub-grants to researchers and financial institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia and South Asia to explore innovative solutions in agent banking, mobile money and financial service expansion.

Speaking on the partnerships, Prof. Peter Quartey, Director of ISSER, reiterated the impact of research in bridging financial gaps and noted that working with commercial leaders such as Ecobank and MobileMoney LTD demonstrates a commitment to producing relevant, actionable research findings. This outcome aligns with UG’s Strategic Plan (2024-2029), particularly on impactful research as well as engagement and partnerships, further solidifying ISSER’s role as a leader in development-focused research.