Kigali To Host Inclusive Fintech Forum 2026, Convening Global Leaders To Shape The Future Of Inclusive Finance

Despite rapid innovation in financial technology, nearly 300 million adults across Africa remain unbanked, most of them in rural and low-income communities. This persistent gap highlights both the urgency of financial inclusion and the scale of opportunity ahead. With Africa’s fintech revenues projected by McKinsey to grow almost fivefold, from approximately US$10 billion in 2023 to US$47 billion by 2028, the continent stands at a pivotal moment where innovation, policy, and capital must converge to ensure inclusive growth.

Against this backdrop, the Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF) 2026 will convene from 10–12 March 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together more than 3,000 global leaders from finance, policymaking, technology, and innovation. The Forum will focus on advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable financial systems across Africa and other emerging markets.

Hosted in partnership with the Kigali International Financial Centre, the National Bank of Rwanda, and the Global Finance & Technology Network, IFF 2026 will serve as a high-level platform for dialogue and decision-making at a critical time when digital financial services are reshaping access to finance across developing economies.

Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Inclusive Finance: Innovation. Impact. Connection.”, IFF 2026 will focus on four strategic anchor areas: Africa’s digital currency corridors, AI-powered financial inclusion, open finance ecosystems, and climate fintech solutions, positioning the forum as a global platform where policy meets practice.

By hosting IFF 2026, Kigali continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for fintech innovation and cross-continental collaboration, reinforcing Rwanda’s role as a gateway between Africa and global financial markets.

Now in its third edition, the Inclusive FinTech Forum has already delivered tangible outcomes that are shaping Africa’s digital finance landscape. Previous editions catalysed the Africa Next-Generation Digital Payment Infrastructure Project, led by the National Bank of Rwanda and the Bank of Ghana, resulting in a live pilot for fintech licence passporting between Rwanda and Ghana. This initiative enables fintechs to operate seamlessly across both markets, with plans underway to onboard additional countries across the continent.

IFF has also driven capital mobilisation for innovation, including the launch of catalytic investment vehicles such as 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.

Beyond policy and investment outcomes, IFF has played a significant role in strengthening Rwanda’s continental and global positioning as a fintech and digital finance hub. Kigali now ranks third in Africa and 67th globally in the Global Financial Centres Index (2025), reflecting the impact of Rwanda’s progressive regulatory sandbox framework and proof-of-concept–driven approach to financial innovation.

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)