Rwanda hosts the first annual inclusive FinTech forum to drive Fintech for good

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

The Inclusive FinTech Forum aims to act as a catalyst for financial inclusion and fintech for good. It seems to promote technology and political conversations. In turn, it enables fintech development to become 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.

Global regulators, policy makers, decision makers, founders and investors will gather for three days of discussions on inclusive and sustainable fintech. They will primarily focus on the global south, which stretches from Africa to Latin America and Asia.

Fintech, at the intersection of financial services and technology, has a unique ability to transform lives. Especially in emerging and developing countries. – Tidjane Thiam

What to look forward to

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.
• A curated venue for exhibitors, industry workshops, mentorship sessions and a talent pavilion.

Elevendi’s signature programs

• Student Insights Forum will host a deep diving round table. These will be together with organizations in the public and private sector to meet challenges facing the financial sector and drive important actionable results;
• Founders Peak will feature 10-minute talks from founders. They will provide participants with a valuable opportunity to learn from the experiences of successful founders;
• The capital meets political dialogue will bring together decision makers, regulators and investors. They will share perspectives on fintech regulation and investment capital allocation.

A step in the right direction

Sopnendu MohantyChief Fintech Officer of MAS and Chairman of Elevandi, said: “The forum comes at an important time when fintech is in the optimal position to contribute to global causes. Especially given its place at a critical intersection between finance and technology.

“But the pledge 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 like the Point Zero Forum – this will be held the week after this forum.”

Enriching the African fintech landscape

Tidjane ThiamChairman, Rwanda Finance Limited, the agency mandated to promote the Kigali International Financial Centre, 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 the new fast-growing fintech hub.”