Rwanda : Inclusive FinTech Forum 2026 to convene 3,000 decision-makers in Kigali to accelerate financial inclusion
From March 10 to 12, 2026, the Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF) returns to Kigali. Presented as a global platform dedicated to advancing financial inclusion through innovation, the event aims to bring together 3,000 leaders, investors and fintechs around regulatory reforms, strategic partnerships and high-impact technological solutions.
Held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Inclusive Finance. Innovation. Impact. Connection.”, the 2026 edition continues the momentum of a forum that has become a key gathering for public and private stakeholders engaged in the digital transformation of financial services.
A strategic institutional alliance
The forum is jointly organized by the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), Rwanda’s international financial centre facilitating investment and cross-border transactions in Africa, the National Bank of Rwanda, the country’s central bank, and the Global Finance & Technology Network, an entity established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to advance fintech innovation in the global digital economy.
According to the organizers, the IFF “convenes 3,000 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.” In other words, the forum seeks to align technological innovation with regulatory reform to foster a more accessible financial system.
Africa, global leader in mobile money
The 2026 edition takes place in a context where financial inclusion is progressing but remains incomplete. According to the World Bank’s Global Findex 2021 database, 76% of adults worldwide have a financial account, up from 51% in 2011. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the rate stands at 55%, largely driven by mobile money, for which the region leads globally in terms of user share.
The World Bank recalls that “financial inclusion means that individuals and businesses have access to useful and affordable financial products and services,” highlighting its role in reducing poverty and strengthening economic resilience. Despite this progress, significant gaps remain, particularly between men and women and between urban and rural areas.
Kigali, showcase of Rwanda’s financial ambition
The choice of Kigali underscores Rwanda’s strategy to position itself as a regional financial and technology hub. KIFC, launched to attract international capital and structure cross-border financial services, plays a central role in this vision. The involvement of MAS through the Global Finance & Technology Network also reflects a commitment to linking Africa’s ecosystem with major Asian financial centres.
Beyond panels and B2B meetings, IFF 2026 aims to strengthen cooperation among regulators, central banks, investors and start-ups to develop frameworks that support responsible innovation, consumer protection and financial stability.
Towards collaborative regulation
In an environment shaped by the rise of digital payments, central bank digital currencies and open banking, the IFF positions itself as a platform for co-creating public policy. African governments face the challenge of balancing rapid innovation with prudent oversight to mitigate systemic risks while advancing inclusion.
By convening 3,000 participants from the public and private sectors, the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2026 seeks to turn strategic dialogue into concrete action, reinforcing Kigali’s role as a hub for global financial dialogue and innovation in support of development.
For more information : https://www.inclusivefintechforum.com/
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