7 March 2025, Kigali, Rwanda - Last week, over 2,500 business leaders, central bank governors, investors, fintech founders and leading politicians gathered in Kigali, Rwanda for the second Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF). At the event, governments, financial institutions and capital providers struck critical agreements that will help to drive investment, advance the skills and knowledge of the next generation of tech and finance leaders, and start the process of making it easier for fintechs to operate across multiple jurisdictions.
The IFF, co-organised by the Kigali International Finance Centre which facilitates international investment and cross-border transactions in Africa, the National Bank of Rwanda, and the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN), a not-for-profit organisation established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, facilitated critical discussions on key topics impacting financial inclusion in Africa.
Delegates participated in topical discussions on inclusive payments (as currently around 51% of Sub-Saharan Africans remain ‘unbanked’ according to the World Bank), entrepreneurship and digital public infrastructure – which explored how robust digital systems can improve governance and public service delivery. Strengthening capital markets to attract investment and drive sustainable economic growth was also a focal theme.
Nick Barigye, CEO of the Kigali International Finance Centre – one of the co-organisers of the forum – said: “IFF 2025 marked a significant milestone in advancing financial inclusion across Africa, bringing together Heads of State, ministers, central bank governors, industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers to drive fintech innovation. Notable achievements included the launch of the Next-Gen Digital Public Infrastructure initiative, a partnership between the Bank of Ghana, the National Bank of Rwanda, the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), introducing Africa’s first license passporting framework to ease cross-border payments. Additionally, KIFC signed MoUs with the Africa Fintech Network and Jersey Finance to support fintech growth and talent development. These partnerships, along with other strategic deals forged at IFF 2025, reinforce IFF’s role as a catalyst for innovation, investment, and financial integration across the continent."
Attendees heard keynote address from leading politicians including H.E Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, Minister Alvin Tan who serves as the Singaporean Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Ministry of Trade & Industry and Board Member of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat.
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Images: For images of the event, please click here. Images can be used by media without the need for permission or attribution.
About the Inclusive Fintech Forum: The Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF) is the global platform that convenes leaders, investors & fintechs to participate in impactful dialogues & meetings that will advance policies & regulations and create meaningful long-term connections & partnerships to advance financial inclusion through fintech for good. The event is a collaboration between the National Bank of Rwanda, the Kigali International Finance Centre and the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN).
The third edition of the Inclusive FinTech Forum is set to return from 24 – 26 February 2026.
About the organisers:
Kigali International Financial Centre: Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) is a financial centre facilitating international investment and cross-border transactions in Africa. With FinTech identified as one of the niche areas for attracting investments, KIFC spearheads an innovation-friendly regulatory environment to attract investment funds and venture capital, driving Africa’s already fast-growing financial technology sector.
The National Bank of Rwanda: Established in 1964, the National Bank of Rwanda is Rwanda’s Central Bank mandated to ensure price stability and a sound financial system. Price stability is achieved by conducting appropriate monetary policy in the interest of a stable macroeconomic environment, while financial stability is achieved by regulating and supervising the financial system. The Bank’s role has however evolved to include financial inclusion, consumer protection and climate change.
Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN): The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a not-for-profit organisation established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in 2024 to harness technology and foster innovation for more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial ecosystems through global partnerships. GFTN organises convening forums, offers advisory services on innovation ecosystems, provides access to transformative digital platforms, and invests in technology startups with the potential for growth and positive social impact through its venture fund.