By Emmanuel Okogba

The Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF) 2026 will take place from 10–12 March 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together more than 3,000 leaders from finance, technology, policy, and innovation to shape the future of inclusive financial systems across Africa and emerging markets.

Hosted in partnership with the Kigali International Financial Centre, the National Bank of Rwanda, and the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), the third edition of IFF comes at a pivotal moment for Africa’s fintech sector. With the continent’s fintech revenues projected to grow nearly fivefold from US$10 billion in 2023 to US$47 billion by 2028 (McKinsey), the forum will address the urgent need to close the financial inclusion gap, where nearly 300 million adults remain unbanked, particularly in rural and low-income communities.

Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Inclusive Finance: Innovation. Impact. Connection.”, IFF 2026 will focus on four strategic areas: Africa’s digital currency corridors, AI-powered financial inclusion, open finance ecosystems, and climate fintech solutions.

H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, previously highlighted the sector’s momentum: “When you look at our continent’s start-up ecosystem, fintechs continue to dominate. In recent years, the number of fintech companies in Africa have almost tripled. These enterprises, big and small, are fundamentally reshaping our financial services sector.”

Previous editions of IFF have already delivered tangible outcomes, including the Africa Next-Generation Digital Payment Infrastructure Project (a live pilot for fintech licence passporting between Rwanda and Ghana) and the launch of the LuxAid Fintech Fund. Discussions are underway to onboard additional partners, including the Mastercard Foundation.

Hortense Mudenge, CEO of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), said: “IFF 2026 marks a pivotal moment as the forum continues to grow and foster impactful international partnerships, scaling fintech solutions and positioning Rwanda as a key gateway for African and global capital.”

Soraya Munyana Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), added: “IFF 2026 will strengthen global partnerships and accelerate the adoption of inclusive fintech solutions while safeguarding financial stability.”

Sopnendu Mohanty, CEO of the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN), noted: “Inclusive finance requires strong global partnerships that connect financial innovation with policy and capital. Through our partnership with Rwanda and other stakeholders, GFTN is committed to fostering purposeful dialogue, practical experimentation, and knowledge exchange.”

Kigali’s selection as host reinforces Rwanda’s rising status as a fintech hub, currently ranked third in Africa and 67th globally in the Global Financial Centres Index (2025), driven by its progressive regulatory sandbox and innovation-friendly policies.

The forum will feature high-level panels, deal-making sessions, and showcases of scalable fintech solutions, positioning IFF 2026 as a defining moment for inclusive finance, economic growth, and sustainable development across Africa.