Dr. Sam Ankrah Urges Governance-Led Repositioning of African Microfinance at Accra Summit
Dr. Sam Ankrah has called for African microfinance to be repositioned as a competitive institutional asset class rather than a charity-driven sector, urging governments, regulators and investors to prioritise governance, competency and effective supervision.
Speaking as keynote speaker at the International Microfinance Investors’ Summit 2026 in Accra, Dr. Ankrah told delegates that sustainable capital only flows to institutions with strong governance structures.
The two-day summit, organised by the Financial Inclusion Advocacy Centre (FIAC) and its partners under the theme “Repositioning Microfinance for Investment, Growth and Stability”, brought together policymakers, regulators, investors, development partners, financial institutions, fintech innovators and industry leaders from across Africa.
Delegates included representatives from central banks, ARB Apex Bank, GHAMFIN, the Credit Unions Association (CUA), rural and community banking institutions, as well as participants from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia.
Dr. Ankrah summarised his message by stating that governance, competency and effective regulation together create resilient financial institutions, adding that investment is the result of these fundamentals rather than a substitute for them.
He highlighted challenges facing the sector across Africa, citing institutional failures, governance weaknesses and regulatory gaps in several countries, while stressing that stronger boards, better risk management and transparent supervision remain essential.
He also encouraged regulators to publish consolidation data, sequence governance reforms ahead of capital requirements and strengthen risk-based supervision to improve investor confidence.
On digital finance, Dr. Ankrah noted that Africa’s rapid growth in mobile money presents significant opportunities, but warned that technology alone cannot compensate for poor governance or weak risk management.
He further urged investors and development finance institutions to expand blended finance initiatives while encouraging African microfinance institutions to improve governance before seeking additional capital.
The summit is expected to produce recommendations aimed at strengthening supervision, encouraging investment and supporting sustainable growth within Africa’s microfinance industry.
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