One of the most inspiring words of wisdom from the great Malcolm X were about thinking and working together for the greater good. He notably said,

“When I is Replaced by WeIllness Becomes Wellness!” Malcolm X

2024 was FULL of several joyful and unforgettable “WE” moments thanks to two dedicated teams committed to the cause of ensuring digital financial inclusion For ALL and For REAL, truly becomes a reality. I can best summarize them in two parts.

First and most important, is my dedicated life partner, who appreciates the value of the work we have the privilege of being part of and WHOLEHEARTEDLY holds the fort while I am away for weeks, with 3 girls under five years old, 2 of whom are still nursing 16 months in, while managing his own businesses. He is by far the best father I know, my number one cheerleader, and since meeting him in 2008, always steps ahead in solving many BIG problems🙏🏾.

There is no doubt in my mind WE make a great team and he is a HUGE part of every result we have celebrated in my 15 year relentless pursuit of a digital Rwanda and Africa through #CashlessAfrica. He has also always held my head higher during the depth of every disappointment. Now, as we look forward to what the future holds as we embark on extending efforts to the rest of the world in collaboration with a global team in my new assignment.

Second but certainly not least, is this digital transformation learning journey I have been on since 2009, that introduced me to the power of digital financial inclusion in 2011.

To make financial inclusion a reality requires systemic and collective removal of barriers that prevent easier access to and usage of digital financial services such as digital payments. Every day, someone somewhere is paying or needs to be paid for goods or services. We must, once and for all, commit to ensuring that everyone, everywhere, regardless of what we do, where we live, how much we earn, or how differently abled we are, can have the right and make the choice to pay or be paid digitally. I truly believe this is achievable.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat Digital Trade team have spent countless sleepless nights for the last 18 months writing, leading and managing difficult negotiations of the heavily legal and political process of delivering the Protocol on Digital Trade and all its annexes. I have had the distinct joy of having a front row seat of witnessing International Trade law gurus become bonafide digital and financial inclusion champions. Their grit and commitment led by the Secretary General himself, has renewed and ignited my faith in seeing a Digital African Economy in my lifetime, especially because of the legally binding obligations 48 countries of the 54 State parties to the AfCFTA Agreement have committed themselves too.

I pray they each receive and smell all the flowers they deserve, and especially see this crucially transformative work bear fruit for more households and communities across our great continent to sustainably create build and grow their wealth opportunities, while inspiring a new generation of entrepreneus to harness Africa’s biggest opportunity, our Youth.

Eternally grateful, joyful, inspired and full of hope that an inclusive digital economy is on the horizon for our Africa.

There is a truly POWER in moving as one, WE❣️