Rising geopolitical tensions, volatile currencies, and fragmented regulations are pushing investors to rethink where and how they place their capital.

At the same time, African leaders and International Financial Centres (IFCs) are seizing the moment to strengthen the continent’s financial autonomy, according to industry leaders.

From cross-border capital flows to real-time payments and risk management, the focus is on scaling homegrown innovation and ensuring that Africa’s capital remains within the continent, turning financial inclusion into genuine economic self-reliance.

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Joe Moynihan, Chief Executive Officer at Jersey Finance, said today’s investors are not only seeking returns but also stability, security, and technological readiness, reflecting a growing emphasis on protecting wealth and adapting to digital transformation.

"While investors have always sought returns, today the focus is increasingly on regulatory stability, professional service standards, and the security of assets. Geopolitical uncertainty has made these factors far more important than they were a decade ago,” said Moynihan.

"Investors want to ensure that their wealth, structures, and family assets are protected in jurisdictions with reliable governance and high standards.”

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Akeem Lawal, Managing Director for Payment Processing at Interswitch, said technological change and digital transformation are also shaping investor decisions.

"Investors are looking at how organisations handle new technology platforms, data governance, and digital infrastructure. These considerations are now as important as traditional factors like legislation or market stability,” he said.

Experts highlighted the dual role of IFCs as both competitive and collaborative hubs within the financial ecosystem. By providing a shared platform for investors, regulators, and fintech innovators, IFCs can help bridge gaps created by fragmented markets and regulatory systems.

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"IFCs offer standardized frameworks, professional services, and technological infrastructure that foster trust and efficiency, enabling investors to navigate complexity while promoting cross-border collaboration. In doing so, IFCs help create a more cohesive financial environment where both local and international players can thrive,” said Daniel Mainda, CEO of the Nairobi International Financial Centre.

Moynihan noted that although financial centres often compete for capital, collaboration remains essential to meet diverse investor needs.

"Investors have different interests and see different opportunities across jurisdictions. Collaboration allows us to harmonise standards, share knowledge, and create an environment where capital can flow efficiently across Africa and beyond,” he said.

Hortense Mudenge, Chief Executive Officer of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), said the challenges of scaling innovative solutions across African markets can be addressed through stronger cooperation among stakeholders.

"The continent has no shortage of technical expertise or innovation, but many solutions struggle to expand due to fragmented markets and regulatory complexities. The real value lies in supporting these solutions to scale, enabling real-time payments across borders, improving risk management, and addressing capital outflows,” Mudenge said.

"By standardizing licensing, regulations, and investment procedures across jurisdictions, IFCs can simplify cross-border transactions and attract both local and international investors.”

She added that bringing regulators, policymakers, and investors together can help create an environment where capital moves efficiently, securely, and transparently.

Leaders also emphasised that Africa’s international financial centres are more than gateways for investment. They are emerging as catalysts for a pan-African financial ecosystem that promotes collaboration, regulatory harmonization, and sustainable growth in a rapidly shifting global landscape.

"If we can align our infrastructure, regulation, and investor confidence, Africa will not only attract capital but will also control and deploy it for its own development,” said Lawal.