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.
Soraya Munyana Hakuziyaremye, governor of the BNR, added that unlocking the full potential of digital finance will require deep cooperation. She warned that stronger regulatory alignment across African markets is absolutely essential if the continent is to harness virtual assets, strengthen cross-border infrastructures, and leverage AI securely.
Major digital lending partnerships announced
A major highlight of the opening day was the announcement of two strategic partnerships by MoMo Rwanda Limited, both designed to expand digital lending and accelerate financial inclusion.
First, MoMo has teamed up with Ecobank to combine its extensive mobile distribution network with the bank’s lending expertise. This collaboration introduces instant, mobile-first micro and SME loans delivered directly through the MoMo platform, successfully eliminating traditional collateral barriers and enabling faster access to credit for underserved communities. Secondly, an ongoing collaboration with the Bank of Kigali aims to strengthen domestic credit infrastructure by creating a fully digital lending pathway—from initial application all the way to disbursement and repayment—entirely on mobile platforms.
Tangible outcomes for emerging markets
Now in its third edition, the IFF has a strong track record of delivering tangible outcomes that shape Africa’s digital finance landscape. Previous iterations successfully catalysed a live pilot for fintech licence passporting between Rwanda and Ghana, allowing companies to operate seamlessly across both markets.
The forum has also played a crucial role in mobilising capital for innovation, such as the launch of the five-year LuxAid Fintech Fund championed by the Luxembourg Development Agency. Discussions are currently underway to bring additional strategic partners on board, including the Mastercard Foundation, which would further strengthen investment opportunities for African innovators. Sopnendu Mohanty, CEO of the GFTN, concluded that by actively connecting regulators, innovators, and investors, the forum is building a collaborative ecosystem that drives sustainable economic growth.
The post Africa’s Fintech Future Takes Centre Stage as IFF 2026 Opens in Kigali appeared first on The Fintech Times.
