DIAMOND Bank has announced its appointment as a Forum Member Adviser to the World Economic Forum, WEF.

According to a statement, Diamond Bank is the first Nigerian company and only the second African company to become a WEF Adviser. “Membership is on an invitation only basis and is extended only to the most dynamic businesses, who are using tech-driven disruption to drive growth,” the statement explained.

Uzoma Dozie, chief executive officer, Diamond Bank, will also attend the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos to discuss a number of key themes including: promoting financial inclusion, particularly amongst women; Nigeria’s emerging technology-enabled entrepreneurial culture and Lagos as a hub for innovation; and the role of digital, technology and data in transforming banking.

Dozie is scheduled to speak on a panel at an interactive workshop session entitled: “A Shared Vision for Financial Inclusion,” on January 24.

Commenting on the appointment and his attendance at the WEF annual meeting, Dozie said: “I am delighted that Diamond Bank was invited to join as a Forum Member Adviser of the WEF as it is testament to our status as one of Nigeria’s leading innovators. I am also thrilled to be attending this year’s annual meeting in Davos, where I will be presenting my views on the three key areas of financial inclusion, Nigeria’s positive outlook and the future of banking.

“In particular, I will be sharing Diamond Bank’s experience in the financial inclusion space where our Beta Proposition and Diamond Yello Account have made significant inroads in bringing previously under-banked people into the financial system. It will also be an opportunity to highlight the transformative role of technology and data in enhancing financial inclusion in a country of 180 million people where nearly half do not have a bank account.

“I will also be passionately championing the success of increasing numbers of technology-enabled entrepreneurs and the culture of innovation that is taking hold in Nigeria, particularly Lagos. This innovation is leading to a new wave of business leaders that are shaping the Nigeria of tomorrow, as well as helping fuel economic growth today. Despite historic challenges, I will also use the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting as a platform to promote Nigeria’s excellent fundamentals and its recent progress,” he said.

– Jan. 12, 2018 @ 12:21 GMT |