Kigali, Rwanda, Africa must take control of its financial infrastructure to achieve long-term economic independence, Rwanda’s Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva said on the second day of the third Inclusive FinTech Forum, which is taking place at Kigali Convention Centre, held from March 10 to 12, 2026.
“Africa cannot and should not attempt to build financial sovereignty on rails it does not control,” Nsengiyumva told government leaders, investors, and fintech innovators gathered for the international forum.
The Prime Minister noted that the global financial and economic order is undergoing significant changes, creating both uncertainty and opportunity for African economies that have historically operated on the margins of global finance.
“For Africa, which has long stood at the margins of this system while relying on it for development financing and access to global markets, this moment presents both uncertainty and opportunity,” he said.
Nsengiyumva noted that the rapid growth of financial technology across the continent is helping expand access to financial services and transform economic participation.
“Fintech expands access to finance, lowers transaction costs, and enables millions of people and businesses to participate fully in the formal economy,” he stated.
Rwanda has invested heavily in digital transformation as part of its strategy to build a competitive and inclusive financial ecosystem. The country now has near-universal 4G population coverage, while government services have been digitized through platforms such as Irembo.
According to the Prime Minister, digital innovation is already transforming everyday economic life.
“Today, 92 percent of adults in Rwanda have access to financial services, reflecting the steady growth of our fintech ecosystem,” he said.
Despite this progress, Nsengiyumva stressed that inclusive fintech must go beyond technological innovation.
“Inclusive fintech is not just about innovation; it is about equity, trust, and shared prosperity,” he said.
He also emphasized the need to strengthen continental financial systems and frameworks, highlighting initiatives including the African Continental Free Trade Area, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, AU data governance, and other key programs to boost Africa’s economic integration.
According to him, African innovators have already demonstrated that local solutions can shape global financial systems.
“African innovators continue to demonstrate that solutions developed here can not only solve local challenges but also shape global financial systems,” he stressed.
This FinTech Forum is currently happening in its third edition. The first edition took place in 2023, followed by the second in 2025. Over the years, the forum has grown into a key platform for showcasing financial technology innovations, fostering collaboration among industry leaders, and exploring solutions that can strengthen Africa’s financial ecosystem.
