ISLAMABAD: To support the mission of promoting digital inclusion across the nation through innovative financial solutions, Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL), Pakistan’s largest digital bank, is collaborating with GSMA, the global organisation representing mobile operators and the broader mobile ecosystem.

Through this partnership, MMBL and GSMA aim to reduce the gender gap in digital financing through MMBL’s flagship programme, Women Inspirational Network (WIN), and other Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) initiatives. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) will enable both partners to execute joint projects for connectivity and other areas for Information & Communications Technology (ICT) development in Pakistan.

Mobilink Microfinance Bank is part of the VEON group, a global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and online services across seven countries. As part of its digital operator strategy, VEON is transforming people’s lives, creating opportunities for greater digital inclusion, and driving economic growth across countries that are home to more than 8% of the world’s population.

Sharing his thoughts at the signing ceremony, Ghazanfar Azzam, President & CEO MMBL remarked, “The rapid growth in tele-density across Pakistan has opened great avenues for fostering financial inclusion through feature and smart phones.

Through this partnership, we aim to leverage the technological expertise of GSMA for enabling digitally powered innovative solutions for our target segments, specifically women & persons with disabilities, increasing accessibility and affordability of mobile financial services on the way.”

Also speaking at the occasion, Sardar Mohammad Abubakr, Chief Finance and Digital Officer MMBL said, “Digital and financial literacy are key drivers to promote financial inclusion for all. Underserved, yet integral segments, particularly women, agriculture and SMEs lack access to banking channels due to little awareness and limited resources.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022