I&M Bank Group took centre stage at the second day of the three-day Inclusive FinTech Forum (IFF) 2026, which concluded in Kigali on March 12, contributing to key discussions on Africa’s digital finance future and hosting an evening gala that brought together some of the continent’s influential fintech leaders. The bank’s Group Director for Digital Business, Eunice R. Gatama, joined industry experts on a high-level panel exploring the development of interoperable payment systems across Africa, while I&M Bank Rwanda later sponsored a VIP cocktail and gala dinner that offered a platform for policymakers, innovators, and investors to connect and exchange ideas on advancing digital finance innovation and financial inclusion. ALSO READ: I&M Bank executives spotlight financial innovation, data governance at IFF 2026 During a panel discussion titled “Building Pan-African Payment Rails: Policy & Interoperability at Scale,” Gatama shared perspectives on the evolving role of digital infrastructure in supporting financial inclusion and cross-border payments across Africa. She highlighted the importance of focusing on the real needs of customers when exploring emerging technologies such as stable coins, noting that innovation in financial services should be guided by practical solutions rather than market hype. “If we all take a step back and put the customer back in the room, we can see how stable coin infrastructure can truly solve problems, not just follow trends,” she said. Gatama explained that understanding the specific problems stable coins are meant to solve whether improving trade flows, treasury management, or financial efficiency, allows banks and regulators to evaluate the technology more strategically. She added that aligning digital financial infrastructure with real economic needs will be essential to ensuring responsible innovation and sustainable growth in Africa’s financial ecosystem. The panel also featured insights from Kosta Peric, Deputy Director for Inclusive Financial Systems at the Gates Foundation, and Kwashie Agbitor, Director of Risk Management and Operations at Accion, who joined the discussion on the policy, infrastructure, and interoperability needed to support scalable payment systems across the continent. ALSO READ: I&M Bank surpasses Rwf1 trillion in total assets, reports 46% profit surge Later in the evening, guests attending the forum gathered at Atelier du Vin in Kigali for a VIP cocktail and gala dinner organised by the Kigali International Financial Centre and sponsored by I&M Bank Rwanda. Opening the evening, Hortense Mudenge, Chief Executive Officer of the Kigali International Financial Centre, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for leaders from across the fintech ecosystem to connect and build partnerships. “We are delighted to welcome you to Kigali and to this evening of connection and conversation as we continue shaping the future of finance,” she said. Mudenge noted that gatherings such as the dinner provide space for stakeholders from finance, technology, and policy to engage beyond formal conference sessions and strengthen relationships that can support innovation and financial inclusion across the continent. Guests were welcomed with a vibrant traditional dance performance by the Intayoberana cultural troupe, celebrating Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage while setting the tone for an evening of networking and collaboration. ALSO READ: I&M Bank to empower womenpreneurs through Berwa’s business advisory, Rwf400m loans Also addressing the gathering was Benjamin Mutimura, Chief Executive Officer of I&M Bank Rwanda, who emphasised the role of collaboration in advancing financial innovation across Africa. Mutimura noted that platforms such as the Inclusive FinTech Forum create valuable opportunities for financial institutions, technology innovators, investors, and policymakers to exchange perspectives and explore partnerships that can shape the future of digital finance. “Bringing together leaders from across the fintech ecosystem helps create the partnerships needed to drive the next phase of financial innovation,” he said. He added that I&M Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster dialogue, innovation, and collaboration within the fintech ecosystem in Rwanda and across the continent.
