Africa Fintech Summit Partners with KIFC to Position Kigali as Gateway to African Finance
Quick Reads
- Africa Fintech Summit MD Zekarias Amsalu Dubale met KIFC CEO Hortense Mudenge in Kigali
- Talks focused on positioning Kigali as Africa’s fintech gateway for global investors
- A new “Headquarter in Rwanda” immersion programme was proposed for international firms
- Discussions build momentum toward AFTS Kigali 2026 and the International Fintech Forum 2027
- Rwanda’s newly launched Fintech Centre is set to gain international backing
Rwanda is tightening its grip on the title of Africa’s fastest-rising financial and technology destination, after top officials from the Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS) and the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) sat down in Kigali to map out a partnership that could redefine how global investors approach the continent’s digital finance sector.
The meeting brought together AFTS Managing Director Zekarias Amsalu Dubale and a KIFC delegation led by CEO Hortense Mudenge, alongside Technical Advisor Annabella Uwineza and Chief Marketing Officer Shaduri Umutoniwase Rumongi. It formed part of the Africa Fintech Summit leadership’s broader strategic mission to Rwanda, with conversations centred on positioning Kigali as Africa’s fintech gateway ahead of two landmark gatherings: Africa Fintech Summit Kigali 2026 (AFTSKIGALI26) and the International Fintech Forum 2027.
The ambition on the table was bold, making Kigali the default African headquarters for international fintech firms looking to scale across the continent. That goal fits neatly into Rwanda’s long game of building an innovation-driven economy anchored on progressive regulation, solid digital infrastructure and a business-friendly reputation that has already drawn tech companies and international organisations to the city.
Among the ideas floated was a “Headquarter in Rwanda” ecosystem immersion programme, designed to give international businesses direct exposure to the country’s regulatory landscape, investment opportunities and network of government and private-sector partners. The two sides also discussed how international collaboration could strengthen Rwanda’s newly launched Rwanda Fintech Centre, linking it to global networks and best practices to fuel local innovation.
Speaking after the talks, Dubale said Africa’s fintech trajectory hinges on cooperation. “The future of African fintech will be built through collaboration between governments, regulators, financial centres, founders, investors and ecosystem builders,” he noted, adding that AFTS is looking forward to working closely with KIFC to showcase Kigali’s growing appeal.
The push comes as competition heats up among African cities, Lagos, Nairobi, Cape Town, Casablanca and Cairo among them, to claim the title of the continent’s top fintech hub. Still, Kigali’s consistency on policy and its steady digital transformation drive appear to be setting it apart. As preparations for AFTSKIGALI26 and IFF 2027 gather pace, the AFTS–KIFC partnership marks another step in Rwanda’s determined bid to become a defining force in Africa’s financial technology future.
