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Platform for Remittances, Investments and Migrants’ Entrepreneurship in Africa (PRIME Africa)

Improving the management of remittances and their use for development impact in Africa

Remittances sent by migrant workers to and within Africa totalled almost US$95 billion in 2023. These cover the daily needs of over 200 million family members, the majority of whom live in rural areas, while one quarter is invested or saved. When remittances are brought into the formal financial system, their impact increases.

With financial education and a range of financial services to choose from, remittance recipients can improve their financial resilience. However, this requires enabling regulatory frameworks, institutional capacity and a willingness to offer services to low-income people.

What is IFAD doing?

PRIME Africa, co-financed by the European Union, leverages these development opportunities through innovations, partnerships and products that promote cheaper, faster and safer remittance transfers.

By maximizing the impact of remittances, PRIME Africa fosters local economic opportunities across several African countries.

Projects

Stories and news

Asset Publisher

New multi-service platform provides access to improved financial services for Moroccan migrants and their families

January 2024 - NEWS

New partnership between IFAD and international money transfer operator, Moneytrans. The project is part of the Platform for Remittances, Investments and Migrants’ Entrepreneurship in Africa, an initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by IFAD’s Financing Facility for Remittances.

Maximising the development potential of remittances in Southern Africa

January 2024 - NEWS

To address the lack of an effective and efficient payment infrastructure for low-value remittances in Southern Africa, IFAD and the European Union have joined forces through the PRIME Africa initiative.

New IFAD initiative with EU funding to boost rural development in Kenya through digital remittances

June 2023 - NEWS

IFAD and the European Union unveiled two new initiatives today in Kenya, that aim to boost rural development by making the use of digital remittance flows faster, safer and cheaper.

Related publications

Asset Publisher

RemitSCOPE: Ghana Country Diagnostic

May 2023

This Ghana country diagnostic was prepared in accordance with the PRIME Africa goals.

RemitSCOPE: Kenya Country Diagnostic

May 2023

This diagnostic provides an assessment of Kenya’s remittance market, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, using a market-oriented approach. 

RemitSCOPE: The Gambia Country Diagnostic

May 2023

The Gambia country diagnostic has been prepared in accordance with the PRIME Africa goals, to provide more in-depth analysis and additional evidence for the areas of action identified in the country road map.

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