Digital economy to take centre stage at major fintech forum in Kigali
Thursday, June 15, 2023
People at the Norrsken in Kigali. With KIFC at the center of this ambitious journey and the Norrsken East Africa hub hosting numerous African startups in this sector, Kigali aims to attract foreign businesses and investors, enhancing Rwanda's competitiveness within the financial sector. Photo by Craish Bahizi

More than 2,000 experts and leaders from around the world are set to convene in Kigali for the upcoming Inclusive Fintech Forum, scheduled to take place from June 20 to 22.

ALSO READ: Positioning Kigali as a Pan African hub for FinTech and green finance

The forum, organized by the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) and Elevandi, a company established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to advance Fintech in the digital economy, aims to discuss the opportunities and requirements for driving the digital economy.

The three-day event will bring together influential figures such as world leaders, regulators, policymakers, decision-makers, founders, and investors. Among the 100 keynote speakers, President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame will be present to address the audience.

With a particular emphasis on the Global South, which includes Asia, Latin America, and Africa, the forum seeks to stimulate discussions, brainstorm solutions, and showcase best-in-class inclusive Fintech projects. It aims to foster the implementation of strategies for the sustainable development of Fintech, focusing on inclusivity.

ALSO READ: Rwanda and Singapore Launch Annual Global Inclusive FinTech Forum to Advance Innovation in Inclusive Finance

Throughout the forum, attendees will engage in deep-dive roundtables, workshops, and exhibitions, exploring topics such as digital payments and lending, micro-wealth management, insurance and pensions, capital markets infrastructure, and ESG financing.

The goal is to address the implementation of affordable and scalable interoperable payment infrastructure, as well as affordable lending products for low and middle-income segments.

By developing and promoting public goods, infrastructure, and financial literacy, the forum aims to enhance financial inclusion and ensure equitable, accessible, and sustainable fintech development for people worldwide.

This significant gathering takes place at a pivotal moment when Kigali is solidifying its position as a Pan African hub for FinTech and green finance.

With KIFC at the center of this ambitious journey and the Norrsken East Africa hub hosting numerous African startups in this sector, Kigali aims to attract foreign businesses and investors, enhancing Rwanda's competitiveness within the financial sector.