“If there is one issue Finance Ministers should agree on, it’s women economic empowerment in Africa.”

Chantilly, July 18 2019 – Today, on the French government’s invitation, Melinda Gates presents the G7 with an initiative for the digital financial inclusion of women in Africa. Bruno Le Maire has announced a financial contribution of 116 million USD in total, which combines funding from France, the UK and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Friederike Röder, ONE spokesperson in Chantilly: “The initiative will allow millions of women to open a bank account or simply have an official proof of identity. If there is one issue Finance Ministers should agree on, it’s women economic empowerment in Africa. However, so far only France and the UK have seized the opportunity. Today, only half of the funding necessary to allow 240 million women in Africa to finally have access to basic financial services has been pledged.”

She continues: “ONE calls on Italy, Canada, Germany, Japan, the US and the European Commission to contribute their share to make this a true G7 partnership. The Ministers can’t hide behind Libra and the taxation of GAFAs and use these as an excuse not to take the measures which would change the lives of millions of women.”

ONE representatives are in Chantilly and are available for interviews in English, French and German.

Media contact on the ground: Charlotte Grignard, [email protected], +33622410041