A well-functioning financial environment enhances financial access for households, firms and governments. This leads to more wealth creation by the economic agents, and hence, is conducive to harmonious and sustainable economic development environment of States. To that end, Prof. Issouf Soumaré, with over 20 years of experience in finance, has initiated and participated in several initiatives on Africa (Initiatives Soumaré). The aim of these benevolent initiatives is to contribute to the development and popularization of finance on the African continent.