Equity Group Holdings convened policymakers, technology leaders and financial sector stakeholders in Kigali for a high-level discussion on the future of finance, spotlighting the role of artificial intelligence, digital assets and sovereign payment rails in shaping Africa’s next phase of financial innovation. As a lead partner of the Inclusive Fintech Forum (IFF) 2026, the Group hosted a breakfast session titled “The Future of Finance: AI, Digital Assets and Sovereign Payment Rails,” focusing on the digital infrastructure required to build more inclusive and interconnected financial ecosystems across the continent. The discussion featured a keynote address by James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings Plc, alongside insights from Hannington Namara, Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda, and Sarah Kabira, Managing Director of Technology at Equity Group Holdings, among other industry leaders. The session explored how digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and interoperable payment systems are among the enablers of more inclusive, efficient, and connected financial ecosystems across Africa. ALSO READ: Equity Group Holdings registers strong recovery Mwangi emphasised that the future of finance will depend less on individual applications and more on the digital infrastructure that allows financial systems to scale safely and inclusively. “The future of finance is not built first on apps. It is built on rails, trust, and systems that allow innovation to scale across societies,” he said. He highlighted the growing importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) including digital identity systems, interoperable payment networks, secure data exchange, and strong governance frameworks as the foundation of modern digital economies. “Digital Public Infrastructure is the electricity grid of the digital economy — the shared foundation that allows innovation to move from isolated success stories to national scale,” he added. Mwangi also noted that Africa’s next chapter of financial inclusion must move beyond access to deeper economic participation adding that the pan African digital infrastructure will be critical for enabling cross-border trade and supporting the ambitions of the Africa continental free trade area. “It is no longer enough for people simply to have a wallet. The goal now is meaningful economic participation where digital systems help merchants, small businesses, and entrepreneurs grow and access capital,” he reiterated. ALSO READ: Equity Group holds 21st Annual General Meeting; approves dividend, directors’ elections, governance policies, and UAE representative office Speaking at the same event, Sarah Kabira, the Managing Director of Equity Technology Group, highlighted the importance of building large-scale financial technology platforms designed specifically for African markets. “Africa cannot simply import financial technology platforms built for other regions. We must build infrastructure designed for African markets, African languages, and African economic realities,” she said. She explained that Equity Technology Group is working to develop integrated financial infrastructure that connects payments, financial services, data intelligence, and open platforms for developers and partners across the continent. Kabira also emphasised that stronger digital payment infrastructure could significantly reduce the cost and complexity of cross-border transactions in Africa. “When we remove friction from how money moves, we change who can participate in the economy and which businesses can grow beyond their borders.”
