Inclusive Fintech Forum 2027
Overview
The Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF) 2027 is a global convening platform focused on advancing financial inclusion through fintech-driven innovation, policy dialogue, and cross-sector partnerships. It brings together policymakers, regulators, investors, financial institutions, and fintech firms to support the development of inclusive digital financial systems, particularly in emerging markets. The forum is positioned as a coordination space for aligning regulation, capital flows, and innovation in financial services.
Key Details
The event will take place from 16–18 March 2027 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda.
It is organised under the Global Finance & Technology Network ecosystem, in collaboration with institutions such as the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) and Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), alongside development and private-sector partners. The forum typically convenes around 3,000 participants from over 80 countries, including senior-level representatives from public and private sectors.
Purpose and Strategic Focus
The forum aims to strengthen financial inclusion through fintech by improving policy frameworks, enabling interoperable digital payment systems, and facilitating investment into financial technology ecosystems. It serves as a platform for aligning regulatory approaches with technological innovation to expand access to financial services for underserved populations. A central focus is on fostering long-term partnerships between regulators, fintech companies, development finance institutions, and investors.
Scope / Priority Areas
Key thematic areas include digital financial services for underserved populations, interoperability of payment systems, digital public infrastructure for financial ecosystems, and regulatory frameworks for fintech innovation.
Additional areas of focus include cross-border payments, open banking and APIs, data protection and financial regulation, and scaling fintech ecosystems in Africa and other emerging regions.
Participation / Eligibility
Participation includes policymakers and financial regulators, central banks, institutional investors, venture capital and private equity firms, development finance institutions, fintech startups, banks, and financial service providers. The forum also engages community organisations, innovation hubs, and sector associations involved in digital finance and financial inclusion initiatives.
Outputs / Activities / Format
The programme consists of keynote sessions, policy dialogues, technical workshops, deal rooms, and roundtables. It also includes thematic forums such as digital public infrastructure sessions, talent and careers discussions, and investment-focused engagements. Certain components, including VIP receptions and specialised workshops, are invitation-only, while others are open to registered participants.
Strategic Relevance
The forum is strategically significant as a global platform linking financial regulation, technology innovation, and investment for financial inclusion. It plays a role in shaping digital financial infrastructure, especially in Africa, and supports broader agendas around inclusive growth, cross-border financial connectivity, and the scaling of fintech-enabled public and private financial systems.