PHOTOS: Golf meets fintech as 164 players join Equity Bank tourney ahead of Kigali forum

A total of 164 golfers, including 30 women, gathered at Kigali Golf Resort and Villas on March 8, for the Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF) Golf Tournament, sponsored by Equity Bank Rwanda as part of activities celebrating International Women’s Day. The tournament brought together business leaders, policymakers, investors and members of the golfing community in an environment designed to encourage networking and collaboration ahead of the upcoming Inclusive FinTech Forum, which takes place from March 10 to 12 at Kigali Convention Centre. Organisers said the event was not only about competition on the golf course but also about strengthening partnerships that can help expand financial inclusion and innovation across Africa’s financial sector. Speaking during the awards ceremony, Hannington Namara, Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda, said that the collaboration is as important as shaping a more inclusive financial future. “Allow me also to express our appreciation for the opportunity to partner in the Inclusive FinTech Forum alongside distinguished partners present here today, including the National Bank of Rwanda,” he noted. “This platform continues to demonstrate the power of partnerships in shaping a more inclusive financial future,” he added. Namara said the golf tournament symbolised many of the same qualities required in business and financial innovation. “This evening’s golf tournament is a great reminder that golf, much like the work we do together, is a journey. It is about patience, strategy and sometimes humility,” he said. Beyond the competition, Namara noted that the event provided an opportunity for meaningful conversations and potential business partnerships. “But beyond the scores, golf is also about something deeper and that's building relationships, strengthening collaborations and occasionally even cracking a few deals along the way,” he said. “As Equity Group Holdings, we remain committed to strengthening this partnership and leveraging this platform to drive impact, innovation and opportunity across the region,” he added. ALSO READ: Equity Bank, partners launch drive to advance women’s leadership, financial inclusion The tournament featured players competing in several categories, with participants from Rwanda and other countries. The overall winner with the Best Gross Score was Gerald Sezibera, who scored 76 points to take home a trophy and a weekend stay for two at Radisson Blue Hotel and Convention Centre Kigali. In the guest category, Andrew Deane won with 86 points, earning a trophy. In the men’s Division A category, Arthur Barigye secured first place with 75 points, winning a trophy and a Radisson BBQ night voucher for two. Eugene Munyaneza finished first in the men’s Division B category with 66 points, taking home a trophy and a dinner for two at Mövenpick Hotel Kigali. In men’s Division C, Theogene Habumuremyi claimed first place with 47 points, winning a trophy and an Asian dinner for two at Kigali Marriott Hotel. In the ladies’ category (up to 18), Keza Han Jing finished first with 70 points, winning a trophy and a Sunday brunch for two at Radisson Blu Kigali. In the ladies’ category (18+), Linda Ikirezi Pacifique secured first place with 39 points, earning a trophy and a Radisson BBQ night voucher for two. In the seniors’ category, Charles Gahima took first place with 69 points, winning a trophy and an Asian dinner for two at Kigali Marriott Hotel. Other awards included Longest Drive and Nearest to the Pin categories. The Longest Drive winners were Benjamin Mukisa for men, Mediatrice Kazera for ladies and Philip Goodman for seniors. The Nearest to the Pin winners were Eugene Munyaneza for men, Keza Han Jing for ladies and Innocent Rutamu for seniors. All winners received trophies in recognition of their performance. ALSO READ: Equity Bank fueling growth: 90% of loans power Rwanda’s SMEs, Agribusiness Kigali emerging as fintech hub Soraya Munyana Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, said the growing number of participants in the tournament reflected increasing interest in the Inclusive FinTech Forum and the wider financial technology ecosystem. She thanked golfers and partners who joined the second edition of the tournament, observing that participation had increased compared to the previous year. “You are all winners for being part of this event,” she said. Hakuziyaremye also thanked Equity Bank Rwanda for sponsoring the tournament and supporting the forum, noting that Kigali is increasingly becoming a meeting point for leaders in finance, technology and investment. “Kigali is becoming more and more not only a city of innovation but also a city where deals are made,” she said. She added that events such as the tournament help foster relationships that can later translate into partnerships and investment in the financial sector. She underscored that fintech can expand access to financial services and strengthen economic resilience across Africa. “The Inclusive FinTech Forum brings together innovators, policymakers, regulators, investors and leaders to shape the future of finance and ensure that access and opportunity extend to every corner of society,” she said. A celebration of sport, connections and the role of fintech Marcel Byusa, President of Kigali Golf Club, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation for the return of the tournament. He said the event was colourful and exciting, especially as it coincided with International Women’s Day. “It is a great honour to host this tournament again,” Byusa said. He noted that golf continues to bring together people from different backgrounds and sectors, creating opportunities for collaboration beyond the sport. The Inclusive FinTech Forum is a global platform that convenes more than 3,000 leaders, investors and fintech companies to discuss policies, regulations and innovations that promote financial inclusion. The forum is organised by the Kigali International Financial Centre, the National Bank of Rwanda, and the Global Finance and Technology Network, a company set up by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The three-day event aims to create dialogue among leaders in finance and technology while building partnerships that support financial innovation.

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PHOTOS: Golf meets fintech as 164 players join Equity Bank tourney ahead of Kigali forum