# African financial institution development and inclusion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/african-financial-institution-development-and-inclusion > Updated: 2026-09-08T10:03:37.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2. African financial institutions are working to address significant continental funding gaps and promote economic stability. Efforts include the proposed establishment of African Union Financial Institutions, such as the African Investment Bank and an African Central Bank, though these remain non-operational pending ratifications. The African Development Bank (AfDB), under the leadership of President Sidi Ould Tah, is focusing on capital mobilization to combat projected shortfalls in infrastructure, energy, and technology. Recent initiatives have shifted toward targeted financial inclusion. The AfDB has partnered with depositary funds to channel domestic savings into SMEs and startups in countries like Benin, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire. Furthermore, a digital finance program launched with Axian Group aims to address a $49 billion funding gap for women entrepreneurs across several nations, including Madagascar and Tanzania. Concurrently, the Export Development Fund for Africa (FEDA) is expanding its membership, with Senegal and Liberia joining the organization. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: African financial institutions launch new initiatives for SME and women entrepreneur funding African financial leaders are advancing economic stability through BCEAO interest rate stability, new AfDB partnerships for SME funding, and digital finance initiatives to support women entrepreneurs. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/axian-and-african-development-bank-launch-digital-finance-initiative-for-women ### 2026-09-06: African financial institutions aim to bridge continental funding gaps Africa seeks to establish African Union Financial Institutions to bridge massive infrastructure gaps, while AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah faces challenges in addressing the continent's significant financing andS 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/african-financial-institutions-aim-to-bridge-continental-funding-gaps --- Cite as: African financial institution development and inclusion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/african-financial-institution-development-and-inclusion