Author

Lamin Trawally

October 30, 2024

8 mins read

Transforming Payments for All: Highlights from the Mojaloop Workshop at Sunset Beach Hotel in The Gambia.

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Last week, the Sunset Beach Hotel became a hub of innovation as Mojaloop Foundation, supported by funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, hosted a one-week training workshop designed to empower The Gambia’s financial community. Key participants, including Gamswitch’s technical and operations teams, joined other stakeholders from across the sector to explore how Mojaloop’s open-source technology could help build scalable, inclusive payment systems tailored to emerging markets like The Gambia.
The workshop opened by introducing Mojaloop’s mission: bringing affordable, accessible, and interoperable digital payment systems to areas where traditional banking doesn’t always reach. This mission aligns with the goals of Mojaloop’s financers, especially the Gates Foundation, to make financial services accessible to underserved populations globally.
Throughout the sessions, trainers shared how Mojaloop’s open-source model not only keeps implementation costs low but also allows customization for unique market needs. Case studies from countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Brazil offered inspiration, showcasing how inclusive instant payment systems have been pivotal in advancing financial inclusion.
One of the workshop’s highlights was the discussion on how Mojaloop could fit into The Gambia’s financial landscape. Participants, including Gamswitch teams, worked on hands-on proposals for service applications and engaged in detailed assessments of the current system’s strengths and gaps. Trainers guided attendees on adapting Mojaloop’s framework to address specific needs within The Gambia’s payment infrastructure.
The workshop also focused on governance models, prompting key discussions on who should own and operate a system like Mojaloop here. Participants reviewed different governance approaches adopted in other countries, such as South Africa’s hybrid model involving government and private stakeholders.
The workshop continues, with the final sessions to include practical exercises and implementation strategies. A full schedule of activities for the remaining days will soon be shared, keeping everyone informed as Mojaloop and its backers work toward a payment solution that could expand financial access across The Gambia.