If volatility breeds opportunity, then it also tests our ability to respond with intention. Over the past five months, GFTN has convened dialogues across Japan, Rwanda, Australia, Switzerland, and Ghana, each one underscoring a simple truth: resilience is no longer a long-term goal, it’s an immediate necessity. When systems fail to adapt, it’s MSMEs, especially those in emerging markets, that feel the sharpest shocks. And they simply can’t afford to wait.
At Point Zero Forum, our annual policy-technology dialogue which concluded this month, one message echoed across the sessions: As technology accelerates and governance around those technologies become more complex, the divide between those with capacity and those without is growing, especially for SMEs and MSMEs in the Global South.
MSMEs remain the most vulnerable to external shocks, whether from new trade tariffs, supply chain disruptions, or macroeconomic volatility. The finance gap they face has grown from $4.4 trillion to $5.7 trillion. This isn’t just a number. It’s a measure of stalled growth, lost jobs, and untapped potential.
That’s why I’m proud to share a timely new chapter, as GFTN and the SME Finance Forum, a global network established by the G20 and managed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are partnering to further organise and grow the annual Global SME Finance Forum event and create value-added services to enhance the SME knowledge bank and digital services offered by the SME Finance Forum.
We invite you to join us in Johannesburg from 15-17 September, on this pivotal journey to shape global impact alongside the G20 Presidencies, this year and in the years ahead.
The Evolution of Digital Assets, AI, and Digital Sovereignty in Europe
As digital assets, AI, and next-gen payments continue to reshape the foundations of trust and governance in digital finance, digital sovereignty has become a strategic move in Europe. This report, written in line with discussions at the Point Zero Forum, reminds us that it is the shared interests, risks, and responsibility that will unite a world that is becoming increasingly fragmented. Read it here.
The Global State of FinTech
This inaugural Global State of FinTech report comprehensively analyses global fintech investment trends, regional performance, and key market developments for 2024. It presents in-depth FinTech landscape case studies of five leading global FinTech nodes and casts a spotlight on two unicorns and one decacorn. Read the report to learn more.
Policy, tech and finance news that shape the industry
Africa to see its first AI-factory in June
Cassava Technologies is building Africa's first AI factory powered by Nvidia’s supercomputers, driving the AI revolution across the continent. This move will empower African businesses, startups and researchers with access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure in their own backyard. Read more.
Bank of Ghana partners with Rwanda and Singapore on digital payments project
The Bank of Ghana partners the National Bank of Rwanda and GFTN to launch a next-gen digital payment infrastructure (DPI), in bid to modernize Africa's cross-border payment systems through a central bank-led framework. Read more.
Chart your course
Stay ahead of the curve through education
Join us as a mentor for the Blockchain Guardians programme
With the launch of the 2025 Blockchain Guardians programme, we're opening the doors to new mentors to take the helm in guiding the next generation of leaders and innovators in the blockchain space. To qualify as a mentor, you would have expertise in:
Blockchain Application Development (e.g. Smart contracts, dApps, wallets)
Blockchain/Web3 cybersecurity
Blockchain/Web3 sales, marketing and partnerships
By becoming a mentor, you’ll expand your network within the global blockchain community, and more importantly, play a vital role in shaping the future of blockchain and contribute to the growth of a thriving, forward-thinking community. Apply to be a mentor.
Keep these dates on your radar
Join the conversations shaping the future of finance
GFTN will work with the SME Finance Forum to organise the Global SME Finance Forum 2025 from 15 to 17 September 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, as an official side event of the South African G20 Presidency. The conference will focus on practical and scalable financial solutions that empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on ‘Building Resilience and Creating Opportunities for Growth’.
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