Finance experts from nine Central Banks from the COMESA region have been trained on the use of robust econometric tools to analyze the financial inclusion landscape in the region.

The training dubbed “Application of Econometric Software to Cross Sectional Data using Financial Inclusion Data and its Implications on Financial Stability” was organized by the COMESA Monetary Institute (CMI) from 22nd to 26th July 2019” in Nairobi, Kenya.

Representatives from Burundi, D.R. Congo, Egypt, Eswatini, Kenya, Madagascar, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe participated in the training.

The training was motivated by the need to better understand the Financial Access Landscape, regionally and internationally and improve the measurement of financial inclusion by COMESA member countries.

Director of the CMI Mr Ibrahim Zeidy said: “Despite the progress made so far, affordability and consumer protection issues such as unexpected charges remain barriers to formal service access.”

During the training, the experts were exposed to econometric skills necessary for the analysis of financial access survey data sets and they were provided insights on the steps and processes involved in the design of survey instruments to generate the data and how it can be used in research activities.

Key objective of the training was to equip participants with practical exposition of FinAccess Household Survey Data with emphasis on hands-on application using the STATA econometric software.

Other objectives were: to build capacity among Central Bankers and policy analysts on how to successfully roll out FinAccess surveys and carry out analysis using modern statistical software; contribute to the designing of appropriate Financial Inclusion Strategies in member countries; and share knowledge and experience on FinAccess Household Survey Data.