Inclusive FinTech Forum

A thought-provoking conversation at #IFF2026 focused on “Scaling Beyond Borders: Confronting the Realities of Building Pan-African FinTech.”

Behind the ambition of seamless cross-border finance are real challenges: fragmented licensing, compliance requirements, currency volatility, capital controls and different local market realities.

The conversation went beyond aspiration to confront the difficult choices that come with expansion - growth and discipline, centralisation and localisation, ambition and execution.

A powerful reminder that turning Pan-African FinTech ambition into sustainable cross-border scale requires more than technology.

#IFF2027

Throwback to #IFF2026, where Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Hon. Joseph Nsengimana, delivered a keynote on “Building Africa’s Human Capital for the Digital Economy.”

“We must therefore prepare our students not only to use financial technologies, but to create them. To design payment systems, build AI-powered financial services, develop blockchain solutions, and create inclusive financial products that respond to Africa’s realities.”

His message underscored the importance of equipping Africa’s young people with the skills to shape the future of digital finance in Africa.

#IFF2026 made its mark in Kigali, bringing together a diverse global community from across the financial and technology ecosystem.

The Forum convened 4,144 registrants from 89 countries, including 1,050 international registrants, 637 FinTech registrants, 158 financial institutions, 112 institutional investors, 288 central banks & regulators registrants, 1,063 senior leaders, and 280+ speakers, with 35.5% female representation.

A strong turnout that reflects the Forum’s reach and success in advancing conversations around inclusive finance.

During the #3iAfricaSummit - which convenes tech, finance, investment and policy leaders annually in Accra - KIFC officially announced the dates for the 4th edition of the Inclusive Fintech Forum, taking place from 16-18 March 2027, in Kigali.

Hosting IFF 2027 reinforces Kigali’s growing position as a leading hub for fintech innovation, investment dialogue, and cross-border collaboration shaping the future of Africa’s digital economy.

Mark your calendars for #IFF2027!

@HortenseMudenge @RwandaICT @ @CentralBankRw @dessy_ocean @ArM_Mug @TerryZed @RwandaFinance

“Beyond the Hype - Has the AI Revolution Bypassed African Fintech?
As conversations around AI continue to dominate global headlines, here’s a throwback to one of the most relevant discussions from #IFF2026: Is the AI revolution truly reaching African fintech?

“The future of AI on the continent will not be defined by hype, but by the ability to generate quality data and solve real problems.” Munir Duri

Zach Bijesse emphasized that while AI technology will reshape work, it will also create new ways for people to add value and solve bigger problems.

From fraud detection to credit scoring and financial inclusion, the session made one thing clear: Africa’s fintech future will belong to those building practical, scalable, and sustainable solutions, beyond the hype.
#IFF2026 #KIFC #FinTech