Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL), a prominent international association representing mobile operators and the broader mobile ecosystem, has joined forces with GSMA to advance digital inclusion and cutting-edge financial solutions across the country.
Through MMBL’s Women Inspirational Network (WIN) program and other Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) efforts, the partnership aims to address the gender gap in digital financing, empowering women and persons with disabilities in the process.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between MMBL and GSMA enables both entities to collaborate on connectivity and ICT development-related projects in Pakistan.
At the signing event, Ghazanfar Azzam, President & CEO of MMBL, emphasized the potential of teledensity growth in Pakistan to enhance financial inclusion through feature and smartphones. He highlighted the partnership’s goal to leverage GSMA’s technological expertise to create digitally-powered innovative solutions for targeted segments, making mobile financial services more accessible and affordable.
Sardar Mohammad Abubakr, Chief Finance and Digital Officer of MMBL, emphasized the significance of financial literacy and digital inclusion, especially for underserved categories such as women, farmers, and SMEs. He expressed the joint commitment of MMBL and GSMA to enhance digital and financial literacy and improve agri-tech services.
Julian Gorman, Head of APAC, GSMA, praised MMBL’s efforts to eliminate usage and gender inequalities, emphasizing the importance of connectivity as a fundamental human right. He reaffirmed GSMA’s dedication to working together with MMBL to support Pakistan’s Digital agenda in promoting inclusivity.
Through this collaboration, MMBL and GSMA will undertake various technological and digital projects, empowering the public in areas such as agri-tech, SMEs, and Women’s Financial Services, while also enhancing connectivity.
MMBL’s strategic partnerships are instrumental in closing the digital and financial divide and empowering the unbanked and underbanked segments throughout Pakistan.