Attendees, which included Bentley students and the outside community, gathered in Wilder Pavilion for an engaging panel discussion with Faith Muigai, MSN, RN, CNRN, program lead for the Africa Medical Equipment Facility with the International Finance Corporation (a subsidiary of the World Bank); and Hon. Seth Terkper, who is a visiting scholar at Bentley and served as the finance minister of Ghana from 2013 to 2016. The keynote speaker was Dr. Akinwande Ademosu, former managing director and chief executive officer at Credit Direct Limited in Nigeria.
The conversation provided insight into financial inclusion in Africa and explored potential changes that might better incorporate historically excluded populations. Exchanges on trade issues — particularly regarding how well Africa is connected today for the ease of trade, investments, migration and security — were followed up with discussions about ways both the public and private sectors can contribute more meaningfully and sustainably to the path from poverty to prosperity.
Muigai specifically discussed issues like sustainability, financial inclusion and opportunities to address issues of corruption.
“As a Kenyan who lived in the U.S. and went back, I applied what I learned within my country in the healthcare industry. I am able to relate to the students here who are identifying their role in positively impacting Africa. It’s about profits with a purpose: being sustainable, equitable and productive. It’s about the positive influence on the economy as it translates to the bettering of the world.”