The Kigali Convention Centre is currently hosting the third edition of the Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF). The landmark event brings together more than 3,500 decision-makers representing 84 countries, featuring over 260 speakers and an impressive 36 per cent female representation.
The massive attendee list includes officials from 30 central banks, 413 fintech companies, and 97 investment firms. The forum is jointly hosted by the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), and the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) to serve as a collaborative global meeting point for regulators, institutions, and innovators.
Navigating a pivotal economic transition
Rwandan Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva opened the forum, emphasising that Africa currently stands at a pivotal moment in the global economic transition. He noted that the continent has a unique opportunity to become a cradle of global business and innovation. The Prime Minister highlighted that the foundation of Africa’s economic transformation will depend on robust, inclusive financial systems capable of mobilising capital towards the continent’s most pressing priorities, including energy development, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, and human capital.
Held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Inclusive Finance: Innovation. Impact. Connection.”, the 2026 forum is heavily focused on four strategic priorities shaping the next generation of financial systems. These critical areas include building Africa’s digital currency corridors, advancing AI-powered financial inclusion, strengthening open finance ecosystems, and mobilising climate fintech solutions.
Regulatory alignment and regional momentum
Hortense Mudenge, chief executive officer of the KIFC, highlighted how digital platforms and mobile payments are already reshaping how people save, invest, transact, and build businesses across the continent. Supporting this growth requires modern frameworks, a reality reflected in Kigali’s current ranking as third in Africa and 67th globally in the 2025 Global Financial Centres Index. This ranking reflects the country’s progressive regulatory environment and its commitment to proof-of-concept–driven fintech development.
Read more: https://thefintechtimes.com/africas-fintech-future-takes-centre-stage-as-iff-2026-opens-in-kigali/
