Skopje, 14 December 2021 

In times of urgency for further global improvement of financial inclusion and financial knowledge of the population, it is extremely important that the National Bank takes considerable steps in this area, namely, the adoption of the first National Strategy for Financial Education and Financial Inclusion ranks our country among the first in the region that is strategically ready to take coordinated actions and meet challenges posed by the new opportunities for digital financial inclusion. New eras and digitalization bring new opportunities for greater financial inclusion, as well as new challenges for a higher level of financial education and it is crucial that the country is already prepared to take advantage of these opportunities.

This was emphasized at the working meeting between the National Bank Governor Anita Angelovska Bezhoska and Alfred Hannig, Executive Director of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), one of the leading international organizations on financial inclusion.

The discussion also centered on the need for constant strengthening of the mechanisms for maintaining awareness of the importance of financial education on high level, by including all stakeholders and with proactive role of the civil society - all those who can offer educational programs for the population. Most importantly, the adopted Strategy has already opened doors for the Macedonian economy to be ranked among the first in the region that clearly defined its commitment to this priority.

Angelovska Bezhoska and Hannig also analyzed and commented on the results of the research on the level of financial literacy of the adult population in our country. The data indicate that financial literacy varies among different population groups. Therefore, the focus of financial education activities needs to be tailored to each target group. In the field of financial inclusion, they emphasized the need for activities to support and stimulate financial innovation, for further financial sector and services development, which will not only foster economic development, but will also improve standard of living.

The Executive Director of AFI pointed out that the AFI is actively involved in enhancing benefits that the members of the Alliance enjoy in the field of financial education. In this context, light was shed on the new platform for exchange of experiences between developed and developing countries in the field of harmonization and adjustment of regulation aimed to create conditions for inclusive fintech ecosystems, encouraging digital financial literacy, better understanding of cyber security and data protection.

AFI is an association of central banks and financial regulators with the common goal of promoting financial inclusion at the national, regional and international levels. The working visit of the Executive Director of AFI to the National Bank is a confirmation that the steps taken by the National Bank in the field of financial education and inclusion have already been recognized and appreciated internationally as commitments that are expected to yield tangible results for the benefit of the economy and citizens.