The Reserve Bank of Malawi is reporting tremendous increase on financial inclusion in the country from 19% in 2008 to 88% in 2025, projected to have a huge bearing on the country's economy.

RBM chief examiner for consumer protection and financial inclusion Madalitso Chamba disclosed this on Saturday at the 2025 Financial Market Dealers Association (FIMDA) annual conference in Mangochi.

Chamba stressed that the trajectory is key in alleviating poverty and providing financial security to the citizenry.

"We have reached out to people across the country on the significance of financial inclusion and they have been responding positively to this modern approach," Chamba added.

FIMDA President Leslie Fatchi described this year's Indaba as critical, as players in the financial sector have discussed how inclusion can support entrepreneurship and business growth in Malawi.

"We also need to embrace innovative strategies as major stakeholders in the financial sector considering that markets are also becoming more innovative," said Fatchi.

In his keynote address, managing director of SPARC Systems Limited Wisely Phiri said some reforms being implemented to push access to foreign exchange are critical since this is a major setback for most business operators in the country.

He also appealed to players in the financial sector to embrace effective inclusion mechanisms to enhance equal access to useful, affordable and timely financial services.

The conference brings together dealers, regulators, policy makers and other market players to review developments in the financial sector, focusing on strategies that could bring stability.

This year's theme: Innovation through digital inclusion.