Kigali to Host Inclusive FinTech Forum 2026

Nearly 300 million adults across Africa remain unbanked, most living in rural and low-income communities. Despite rapid growth in digital financial services, access to formal finance remains uneven. At the same time, opportunity is expanding quickly. According to McKinsey, Africa’s fintech revenues are projected to rise almost fivefold, from approximately US$10 billion in 2023 to US$47 billion by 2028.

This tension between exclusion and opportunity will frame the Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF) 2026, scheduled for 10–12 March 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre. The event is expected to convene more than 3,000 global leaders across finance, policymaking, technology and innovation.

A Strategic Platform for Inclusive Finance

IFF 2026 will focus on building inclusive, resilient and sustainable financial systems across Africa and other emerging markets. The forum is hosted in partnership with the Kigali International Financial Centre, the National Bank of Rwanda and the Global Finance & Technology Network.

Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Inclusive Finance: Innovation. Impact. Connection.”, discussions will center on four strategic pillars:

• Africa’s digital currency corridors
• AI-powered financial inclusion
• Open finance ecosystems
• Climate fintech solutions

Organizers position the forum as a meeting point where regulatory frameworks, capital flows and technological innovation intersect. As digital finance reshapes access to services across developing economies, coordinated policymaking and cross-border collaboration become increasingly critical.

Strengthening Africa’s Digital Finance Architecture

Now in its third edition, IFF has already influenced major continental initiatives. Previous forums catalyzed the Africa Next-Generation Digital Payment Infrastructure Project, led by the National Bank of Rwanda and the Bank of Ghana.

The initiative produced a live pilot enabling fintech licence passporting between Rwanda and Ghana. This framework allows fintech companies to operate across both markets more seamlessly, with plans to extend participation to additional countries.

Beyond regulatory harmonization, IFF has also supported capital mobilisation. Notably, the Luxembourg Development Agency launched the five-year LuxAid Fintech Fund, while discussions continue with strategic partners including the Mastercard Foundation.

Kigali’s Rising Global Financial Profile

By hosting IFF 2026, Kigali reinforces its ambition to serve as a continental gateway for financial innovation. The city now ranks third in Africa and 67th globally in the Global Financial Centres Index (2025).

This rise reflects Rwanda’s regulatory sandbox framework and its emphasis on proof-of-concept–driven financial innovation. Policymakers have prioritized agile regulation that allows fintech firms to test solutions while maintaining oversight.

IFF 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment. With fintech revenues accelerating and millions still excluded from formal financial systems, the forum aims to ensure that innovation translates into inclusive growth rather than widening inequality.

As Africa’s digital finance ecosystem matures, Kigali is positioning itself at the center of policy dialogue, capital mobilisation and cross-continental collaboration.

Statements From Hosting Partners

“The Inclusive FinTech Forum has grown into a vital platform where investors, policy makers, and tech innovators converge to drive inclusive and sustainable finance. IFF 2026 marks a pivotal moment as the forum continues to grow and foster impactful international partnerships, scaling fintech solutions and positioning Rwanda as a key gateway for African and global capital.” Hortense Mudenge, CEO, Kigali International Finance Centre (KIFC)

 “The Inclusive FinTech Forum 2026 serves as a bridge between Rwanda and the global fintech community, convening leaders from across regions to advance shared priorities on inclusion, resilience, and stability. As financial systems evolve, Central Banks play an essential role in ensuring that technology-driven innovations deliver a broad-based and sustainable impact towards financial health for all. IFF2026 will strengthen global partnerships and accelerate the adoption of inclusive fintech solutions while safeguarding financial stability.” Soraya Munyana Hakuziyaremye, Governor, National Bank of Rwanda (BNR)

“Inclusive finance requires strong global partnerships that connect financial innovation with policy and capital. The Inclusive Fintech Forum 2026 reflects the importance of cross-border collaboration in building resilient and inclusive financial ecosystems. Through our partnership with Rwanda and other stakeholders, GFTN is committed to fostering purposeful dialogue, practical experimentation, and knowledge exchange between global leaders and stakeholders.” Sopnendu Mohanty, CEO, Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN)