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Digital transformation is reshaping participation in Africa’s economies. RMB’s Head of Corporate Client Groups and a member of the B20 Employment and Education Task Force, Arun Varughese, focuses on how technology, skills and access to finance can drive truly inclusive growth. His work expands digital and financial inclusion, supports SMEs and entrepreneurs, and helps prepare Africa’s workforce for a rapidly evolving economy.
In this discussion, Arun shares his insights on the opportunities presented by South Africa’s G20 presidency, and the policies and partnerships needed to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.
What was discussed
- Digital transformation as an engine for inclusive growth:: AArun outlined how digital platforms, tools and channels are opening new pathways into the formal economy, especially for SMEs, informal businesses and under-served communities across the continent.
- Expanding access to financial services:He highlighted the importance of broadening access to affordable, appropriate financial products, from payments and credit to working capital solutions — as a foundation for resilience and long-term growth.
- Skills, education and the future of work: Arun discussed how investment in skills development, education and digital literacy is essential to ensure that individuals can fully participate in, and benefit from, a technology-enabled economy.
- Public–private collaboration and policy He emphasised the role of co-ordinated policy, regulation and partnership between governments, business, and financial institutions in creating an enabling environment for digital and financial inclusion.
- The G20 and B20 agenda for inclusion: Drawing on his role in the B20 Employment and Education Task Force, Arun reflected on how the G20 agenda can support more inclusive labour markets, promote access to opportunity, and catalyse investment in digital infrastructure.
- Africa’s opportunity to lead on digital inclusion: Arun underscored that Africa is uniquely positioned to leapfrog legacy models, using technology and innovative finance to design more inclusive systems from the outset — and, in doing so, help shape global best practice in digital inclusion.
