KIGALI, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Delegates attending the third edition of the Inclusive FinTech Forum in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, have called for stronger policies, investment in digital skills and deeper collaboration to accelerate financial inclusion and fintech innovation across Africa.
The three-day forum opened Tuesday under the theme "Shaping the Future of Inclusive Finance: Innovation. Impact. Connection." It has brought together more than 3,000 participants from around the world, including government officials, regulators, investors and fintech entrepreneurs.
Rwanda's Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana emphasized the importance of equipping young Africans with digital, analytical and entrepreneurial skills needed to drive innovation.
He noted that schools, universities and technical institutions must move beyond traditional teaching models and develop capabilities in data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, financial technology and digital regulation.
Rwanda's Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi stressed that technological innovation should ultimately make trade faster, cheaper and more resilient.
"The question is not whether the technology is sophisticated, the question is whether it makes trade cheaper, faster, more inclusive and more resilient," he said, adding that countries must also remain mindful of emerging risks.
Frank Anwelle, country manager for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone at Payaza Africa, a Nigerian-based fintech company, said fintech companies are increasingly competing for talent rather than just customers.
"Organizations are no longer competing on products, but on talent, specifically talent that brings integrity to the table," he said.
The Inclusive Fintech Forum is organized by the Kigali International Financial Center, the National Bank of Rwanda, and the Global Finance and Technology Network, an organization established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
