Rwanda’s Technology Investments Are Paying Off, Says Prime Minister Nsengiyumva

Justin Nsengiyumva, the Prime Minister of Rwanda, has said the country’s long‑term investment in technology infrastructure has significantly improved access to financial services, including for people living in rural areas.

Speaking on March 11, 2026, at the Inclusive Fintech Forum 2026, the prime minister emphasized that Rwanda’s commitment to digital development over the past two decades has helped expand financial inclusion across the country.

Expanding Access to Financial Services

According to Nsengiyumva, Rwanda’s technology-driven policies have made it easier for citizens to send and receive money quickly through digital platforms such as mobile banking and mobile money.

Government data from 2024 shows that 96% of Rwandans now have access to financial services, with 92% accessing them through banks or mobile money platforms.

He noted that technological innovation has enabled farmers in rural communities to receive payments instantly, allowed young entrepreneurs to access loans through their phones, and helped small businesses reach international markets without leaving the country.

Technology Driving Economic Participation

The prime minister highlighted that financial technology plays a key role in strengthening economic participation by lowering transaction costs and making financial services widely available.

He explained that digital systems help millions of individuals and businesses participate more actively in the national economy while improving the efficiency of financial transactions.

Africa’s Opportunity in Fintech Innovation

Nsengiyumva also pointed out that financial technology could position Africa as a global center for innovation and trade.

He said inclusive financial technologies could help mobilize the capital needed for major development projects across the continent, including investments in energy, industrialization, and digital infrastructure.

Importance of Cybersecurity and Data Protection

The prime minister stressed that as financial systems become increasingly digital, issues such as cybersecurity, secure payment systems, and data management are no longer purely technical matters.

Instead, they are now essential elements in building stable and resilient economies capable of sustaining rapid development.

He added that Rwanda has addressed many of these challenges through sustained investments in digital infrastructure over the past two decades.

One of the government’s major goals has been to expand high‑speed internet connectivity nationwide, including the continued expansion of 4G coverage.

Growth in Financial Inclusion

Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, also highlighted the progress Rwanda has made in financial inclusion.

She explained that in 2008 only 21% of adults in Rwanda had access to financial services, while today about 92% of adults either hold a bank account or use mobile money services.

Currently, more than 75% of adults in Rwanda hold bank accounts, a significant increase compared to around 25% a decade ago.

Strengthening Cooperation Across Africa

Hakuziyaremye added that stronger cooperation between financial regulators across African countries will be important to support innovation in financial technology.

She said collaboration can help countries share knowledge, adopt advanced technologies, and protect the stability of national currencies.

According to her, emerging tools such as digital currencies, advanced payment systems, and artificial intelligence are already transforming how people transfer money, invest, and regulate financial institutions worldwide.

Building a Technology‑Driven Economy

Prime Minister Nsengiyumva concluded by reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to working with partners across Africa and beyond to build a modern economy powered by technology and innovation.

He said African innovators are already demonstrating that locally developed solutions can address regional challenges while also contributing to global economic transformation.