The African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (AFRACA) convened its 21st General Assembly virtually from 24th-25th February 2021. The Assembly brought together all AFRACA member institutions to usher in a new leadership and discuss the strategic direction of the Association in the next phase of its operations (2021-2025).

The first session, titled ‘Are we on track towards COVID-19 Recovery?’, identified best practices and innovations among member institutions as they have sought to cope with the prolonged effects of the pandemic. Growing demand and application of digital financial services was a major point of convergence in this discussion.

Other key highlights included the ratification by members of the newly established North Africa sub-region, represented by Credit Agricole du Maroc (GCAM) and the election of AFRACA’s new Chairperson, Dr. Jesimen Chipika. Dr. Chipka is the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe who will lead the Association in implementing the new Strategic plan (2021-2025), also launched during the Assembly.

The article was first published by SAFIN