Rwanda and Singapore launch Inclusive Fintech Forum to promote innovation in inclusive finance

Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC), Rwanda’s financial center that facilitates international investment and cross-border transactions in Africa, and Elevandi, a company created by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to promote fintech in the digital economy, today announced the launch of the first annual Inclusive Fintech Forum, which will be held from 20 to 22 June in Kigali, Rwanda.

Global regulators, decision-makers, decision-makers, founders and investors will gather for three days of discussions on inclusive and sustainable fintech, primarily focusing on the Global South, which stretches from Africa to Latin America and Asia.

The forum aims to act as a catalyst for financial inclusion and fintech for good by promoting technology and policy conversations that will enable fintech development to be more equitable, accessible and sustainable for all people in the world. This also includes the development and promotion of public goods, infrastructure and financial competence.

The forum will include a number of dialogues and formats to spark debate and ideas for solutions for inclusive finance globally.

• Sessions on the main stage will feature keynotes by government and industry leaders, as well as discussions with thought leaders.
• Industry and ecosystem stages will focus on topical sessions on payments, credit, financial services, risk products, capital market infrastructure and ESG products.
• Elevendi’s signature programs:
  • Elevandi Insights Forum will host deep-dive roundtables with public and private sector organizations to address challenges facing the financial sector and drive important actionable results.
  • Founders Peak will feature 10-minute talks from founders, giving attendees a valuable opportunity to learn from the experiences of successful founders.
  • The Capital Meets Policy Dialogue will bring together policy makers, regulators and investors to share perspectives on fintech regulation and investment capital allocation.
• A curated space for exhibitors, industry workshops, mentoring sessions and a talent pavilion.

Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer of MAS and Chairman of the Elevandi Board, said:

“The forum comes at an important time when fintech is in the optimal position to contribute to global causes, given its place at a critical junction between finance and technology. However, the promise remains a work in progress to make finance accessible to all people in the world. The forum will accelerate inclusion and influence conversations to make fintech more accessible. It will serve as building blocks for future dialogues such as the Point Zero Forum, which will be held the week after this forum.”

Tidjane Thiam, Chairman of Rwanda Finance Limited, the agency mandated to promote the Kigali International Financial Center, said:

“We are delighted to host the first annual Global Inclusive Fintech Forum here in Rwanda, bringing together key decision makers in the fintech industry in Africa and globally. Fintech, at the intersection of financial services and technology, has a unique ability to transform lives, especially in emerging and developing countries. It can empower the most vulnerable in society by giving them access to finance and allowing them to achieve financial independence. It can also contribute to the growth and expansion of successful African SMEs to provide much-needed goods and services to consumers in Africa and beyond. This event is a unique opportunity to enrich the African fintech landscape and position KIFC as a new, fast-growing hub for fintech.”

The Inclusive Fintech Forum is open to entrepreneurs, as well as senior executives from governments and regulators, financial institutions, technology companies and investors. Registration is now open on the website.

About Kigali International Financial Center

Kigali International Financial Center (KIFC) is a financial center that facilitates international investments and cross-border transactions in Africa. With fintech identified as one of the niche areas to attract investment, KIFC is spearheading an innovation-friendly regulatory environment to attract investment funds and venture capital, driving Africa’s already fast-growing fintech sector.

About Elevandi

Elevandi has been set up by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to promote an open dialogue between the public and private sectors to promote fintech in the digital economy. Elevandi works closely with authorities, entrepreneurs, investors and company managers to drive collaboration, education and new sources of value at industry and national level. Elevandi’s initiative has brought together over 350,000 people to drive the growth of fintech through events, closed-door roundtables, investor programs, education initiatives and research. Elevandi’s flagship product is the Singapore Fintech Festival alongside rapidly growing platforms including the World Fintech Festival, Point Zero Forum and Elevandi Insights Forum.

Media contacts

Shaduri Umutoniwase

Marketing Manager, Rwanda Finance Limited

+250 788 580 110

Anthony Caravello

Senior manager, communications, Elevandi

+65 9728 1675