On November 5, ASIGMA brought together a diverse and influential group of stakeholders, ranging from telecommunications and financial institutions to policymakers, development partners, and sector experts, for the highly anticipated Market Systems Development Convention 2024.
The Theme for the Convention
Under the theme, Leveraging Technology and Finance to Enhance Market Participation for Sustainable Development, the event spotlighted the transformative potential of finance and technology in building inclusive and resilient market systems. Discussions emphasized how these sectors are pivotal in addressing global challenges, particularly climate change, and driving sustainable economic growth.
ASIGMA’s Vision for Sustainable Market Systems
ASIGMA’s Managing Director, Mr. Nanambi Wakyiku, delivered a compelling opening address, setting the tone by exploring this year’s theme. Drawing on the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach, he detailed how technology and financial innovation serve as catalysts for market transformation.
David emphasized the importance of addressing systemic challenges collaboratively, providing real-world examples of partnerships that enhance market resilience and inclusivity. His speech outlined a roadmap for fostering long-term market transformation while stressing stakeholders’ shared responsibility in driving sustainable economic growth.
A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation
The convention provided a dynamic platform for stakeholders to share insights, experiences, and strategies for expanding market participation. Focused on financial innovation and digital transformation, it highlighted how leveraging technology can enhance accessibility, efficiency, and resilience within market systems.
Through panel discussions, expert presentations, and interactive sessions, participants explored actionable strategies for fostering collaboration and implementing solutions to benefit underserved populations, creating equitable opportunities across industries and communities.
Keynote Address: Collaboration as a Driver for Change
Mr. Collins Apuoyo, Chief of Party for the Feed the Future Inclusive Markets Activity (FtF IAM), delivered an inspiring address emphasizing the role of partnerships in achieving sustainable economic growth. He commended ASIGMA’s commitment to financial inclusion and market access, highlighting that pooling resources and expertise is key to overcoming barriers and fostering resilience.
Panel 1: Access to Finance
Moderated by Rashmi Pillai, this panel brought together industry experts that included Daniel Mutumba, ASIGMA’s Senior Manager, Access-to-Finance, Jackie Mbabazi, Executive Director, AMFIU, Eva Ssewagudde, Director of Strategy and Innovation, Uganda Bankers’ Association and Joseph Lutwama, Programs Director, FSDU.
Discussions focused on broadening financial inclusion for underserved groups like women, youth, and smallholder farmers. Key strategies included climate-smart investments and community-based financial programs.
Panel 2: Technology as a Catalyst for Market Access
In the afternoon, the Technology Panel, hosted by Delia Dean, explored digital solutions for extending market reach and improving efficiency. The panel featured a distinguished lineup of experts, including Hope Ekudu, Chief Operations Officer at Airtel Money; Ekanath Khatiwada, Private Sector Development Advisor at SNV; Lionel Kabenge, Head of Projects at gnuGrid; Joseph Mutua, Market Systems Development Advisor for the FtF IAM Activity at DAI; and Wilson Kiggundu, Chief Technology Officer at ASIGMA.
The discussion highlighted innovative platforms like Symos, ASIGMA’s agricultural market linkage tool, which streamlines value chains and enhances decision-making.
Finance isn’t merely about money; it’s about empowerment. Enabling financial access creates platforms for resilience and economic growth. Finance plays a very transformative role in enabling individuals and communities to take control of their economic futures.
Arnold Byarugaba, Chief Operating Officer & Head of Networks, Collaborative for Frontier Finance
A Call for Systemic Collaboration
The convention concluded with a call to action for systemic collaboration and sustainable solutions. By integrating financial inclusion with technological empowerment, participants envisioned transformative pathways for Africa’s market systems, emphasizing innovation and partnership as essential drivers of long-term economic resilience and inclusivity.
This collective vision underscored the importance of creating equitable frameworks that uplift communities across the continent, shaping a more prosperous future for all.
About ASIGMA
ASIGMA is an advisory and management firm that leverages data and technology to add value to organisations, through an integrated services offering that includes Investment Advisory, Research & Learning, Technology Services and Program Management. We not only deliver expert investment and financial guidance to public and medium-to-large private sector clients but also manage private and development sector funds that are aimed at increasing access-to-finance at the bottom of the pyramid.
Working through the sustainability lens, ASIGMA also designs and implements development-sector market access and livelihood programs, that leverage private sector investment and acumen to ensure long-term viability and consequent impact delivery. All these endeavours are powered by our Technology Services arm that builds project and investment monitoring platforms for internal and external clients, ensuring transparency and accountability, while also providing technology advisory services for clients’ business systems transformation.
For more information about ASIGMA, please contact our Strategic Communications Desk at [email protected] or +256777235477.
