Fidelity Bank Ghana has emphasized the urgent need for Africa to develop and own its digital infrastructure and payment systems. This push came during its participation in the 3i Africa Summit 2026, where bank executives engaged in high-level discussions.
The bank, a sponsor of the summit, highlighted that relying on external payment rails despite available domestic options like Gh-link places unnecessary pressure on African currencies and economies. Its executives stressed that Africa must move towards ownership and value creation in its digital space. This approach will help retain economic benefits within the continent.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader economic strategy of strengthening its digital payment ecosystem and promoting financial inclusion. Ghana has already made significant strides in these areas, serving as a potential model for other African nations. The Bank of Ghana continues to support fintech innovation and digital integration across the country. Data show that digital payment transactions have increased steadily in Ghana over the past five years.
Adeline Aryee, Director of Financial Institutions Group at Fidelity Bank, stressed this point. She stated, “If we build our own rails, it goes without saying that we will get the value from those rails.” She added that digital public infrastructure is now a national asset. It needs intentional development to support economic sovereignty. This perspective emphasizes that local control over digital systems is vital for economic progress.
The move towards Africa-led digital infrastructure means less reliance on foreign technology giants. This shift could reduce transactional costs and improve data security for African economies. Decision-makers and financial markets will watch how African governments and financial institutions respond to this call for greater digital self-reliance. Greater digital autonomy could lead to faster economic growth and increased investment in local tech solutions.
Dr. Prince Osei Hyeaman-Addai, Head of Mobile Financial Services at Fidelity Bank, also contributed to the discussions. He highlighted the importance of building digital solutions that meet real market needs. He emphasized that successful innovation stems from understanding customer behavior and local realities. Dr. Hyeaman-Addai pointed to Fidelity Bank’s long history of partnerships with fintech firms, such as IT Consortium. These collaborations helped create wallet-to-bank integrations and digital financial solutions in Ghana. Such partnerships are crucial for building a robust digital economy.
Sustainable innovation requires continuous engagement with users, according to Dr. Hyeaman-Addai. He stated, “The voice of the customer is critical.” This ensures products are relevant and effective. Attracting investment into African fintech also demands trust, structure, and credibility from startups. Fidelity Bank's involvement underscores its commitment to Africa’s digital transformation. This involves fostering collaboration, innovation, and scalable financial ecosystems.