More than 350 experts in finance and information technology sectors are meeting today in Kigali for a two-day summit to showcase Africa’s potential in the two sectors, as well as deliberate on how best financial technology (Fintech) can be advanced.

Dubbed "Dot Finance Summit Africa”, the event is expected to draw participants from across the world, representing different industries linked to financial technology, one of the emerging fields.

Saud Ghayas, one of the lead organisers, told The New Times that participants, including technology partners, startups, investors and regulators, will for the two days discuss issues related to financial technology in Africa.

"About 70 per cent of participants are international delegates representing 28 countries. They also includes 34 international exhibitors. There is a lot to expect in terms of the content to be discussed during the two days,” he said.

This is the second time the event is hosted in Rwanda and it is one of the largest Fintech events in Africa. The event is running for the third time.

Discussions will revolve around different topics, including ‘Creating Value Through Blockchain & Digital Currencies’, ‘Payments Innovation in Africa - What’s Next?’, ‘Winning in the API Economy’, ‘Building a Truly Digital Bank’, and ‘Bridging the SME Funding Gap in Africa’, just to mention a few.

With the existing access to finance gap among African small and medium sized enterprises, new-age lending platforms can fill this gap left by banks by tapping into technology. But organisers believe there should be a dialogue on how best this can be done.

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