Beyond fintech: Why Rwanda is building digital public infrastructure

Rwanda is making a compelling case that the future of inclusion will depend not only on innovation itself, but also on the digital public infrastructure that allows it to scale and reach more people. Known as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), these systems form the foundation that connects people, businesses, and markets. Built on three core pillars — digital identity, payments, and data-sharing frameworks — DPI creates the digital rails that allow services to move efficiently, much like roads support the movement of people and goods. The role of DPI took centre stage during the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2026, held in Kigali from March 10 to 12, where policymakers, development partners, and industry leaders explored how such infrastructure can accelerate inclusion and expand access to financial services. Hosted by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), the forum’s DPI Track examined how shared digital systems can help fintech companies grow faster, reduce costs, and serve people who remain excluded from formal finance. Closing the inclusion gap Across Africa, fintech innovation has expanded access to mobile payments, digital wallets, and credit. However, gaps persist. Millions of people, particularly women, low-income households, smallholder farmers, and small businesses, still struggle to access affordable and appropriate financial services. Fragmented systems and limited interoperability continue to constrain progress. According to the World Bank, 420 million adults in Africa were financially excluded as of 2022. In Rwanda, significant strides have been made. Digital financial inclusion stands at 85.3 per cent of adults — about 7 million people — according to FinScope 2024. The challenge now is no longer access alone, but how to build systems that make digital finance more inclusive, scalable, and trustworthy. Enabling fintech through shared infrastructure Speaking during the forum, the Minister of State in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, Yves Iradukunda, emphasised that while fintech innovation is transforming how people transact and access financial services, its full impact depends on the underlying infrastructure. “The ability for fintech to reach the underserved population depends heavily on digital public infrastructure, which should support their operations and their service capabilities,” he said. He stated that systems such as digital identity, interoperable payments, and secure data exchange provide the shared foundation on which innovators can build, enabling faster innovation, lower costs, and wider reach. A coordinated national approach A key factor behind Rwanda’s progress has been its deliberate effort to avoid fragmented implementation. “Our approach has been a whole-of-government approach. Not looking at silos type of implementation, but a cohesive approach to transform the country using digital tools,” said Antoine Sebera, Chief Executive Officer of RISA. He underscored the importance of foundational infrastructure — including connectivity, smartphone access, and digital literacy — to ensure that digital systems translate into meaningful use for citizens and businesses. Reaching the underserved For Access to Finance Rwanda Chief Executive Officer Jean Bosco Iyacu, DPI is not just a technical framework, but a pathway to inclusion. “I’m a firm believer in DPI because it unlocks value, but also it touches the vast majority of the underserved and unserved segments of the population,” he said. He pointed out that traditional financial systems have struggled to close the inclusion gap quickly enough. By contrast, DPI reduces friction, lowers integration costs, and expands access. “With DPI, you have a single integration; you access the entire market,” Iyacu said. This shift is particularly important for fintech innovators, who often face high costs and complexity when integrating with multiple financial institutions. Shared infrastructure allows them to focus more on designing relevant products rather than negotiating access. Iyacu also urged fintech firms to look beyond payments, which have driven much of the sector’s growth across Africa. He identified insurance, wealth creation tools, digital lending, and capital markets as the next frontier for inclusion. Beyond access to real inclusion The discussion also highlighted that access to digital tools alone does not guarantee meaningful participation in the economy. Lee Naik, Chief Executive Officer and Regional President of TransUnion Africa, underscored that real inclusion goes beyond owning a mobile wallet or digital ID. Economic participation, he observed, is realised when individuals and businesses can access services that improve their livelihoods — such as credit for farmers, working capital for traders, or financing for entrepreneurs. The implication is clear: digital systems must move beyond enabling transactions to unlocking broader economic opportunities. The role of policy and trust Speakers emphasised that the success of DPI depends as much on governance and policy as it does on technology. Effective digital public systems require clear regulatory frameworks, institutional coordination, and safeguards that protect users while encouraging innovation. At the same time, experts cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach. “Digital Public Infrastructure is not a one-size-fits-all model. Governance arrangements will differ across countries. What matters is allowing countries to shape the right policies, governance, and guardrails for their own context,” said Nanjira Sambuli, Senior Advocacy Officer for Africa Inclusive Financial Systems and Digital Public Infrastructure at the Gates Foundation. Key considerations include data privacy, security, ownership, and user consent, alongside ensuring that regulation remains flexible enough to support innovation. A continental opportunity While much of the discussion focused on Rwanda, the implications extend across Africa. As the continent advances integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, fragmented systems continue to make cross-border transactions costly and inefficient. More interoperable digital infrastructure could help address these challenges, enabling smoother trade and stronger economic connectivity. In this context, DPI is not only a tool for domestic inclusion, but also a building block for a more integrated and competitive African economy. From ambition to implementation: Rwanda’s case for DPI For Rwanda, that momentum is already visible. The country has made deliberate investments, adopted a coordinated approach, and positioned digital transformation as part of national development rather than a narrow technology agenda. Through collaboration with the National Bank of Rwanda and RISA, Access to Finance Rwanda is supporting the development of a Credit Market Infrastructure — a shared digital platform designed to modernise the country’s credit ecosystem. The system connects financial service providers, data providers, and borrowers through standardised Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and automated processes. The initiative initially focuses on addressing challenges in agricultural lending, a sector that remains underserved despite its importance to the economy. AFR is also supporting the Agriculture Management Information System, developed with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, which aims to help farmers access financial services, advisory support, and market opportunities through a digital platform. Supporting long-term development These efforts align with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which places technology and innovation at the centre of economic and social transformation. Digital Public Infrastructure is expected to play a critical role in this agenda by enabling efficient service delivery, expanding economic opportunities, and strengthening resilience. By prioritising national coordination, fostering regional collaboration, and supporting innovation ecosystems, Rwanda is laying the strong foundation for a more inclusive digital economy. The bigger picture Discussions at the Inclusive FinTech Forum underscored a key reality: Africa does not lack innovation or ambition. The challenge lies in building the foundational systems that allow these innovations to scale effectively. For Rwanda, the focus has shifted from simply expanding access to ensuring that digital systems deliver meaningful impact — enabling people and businesses not only to transact, but to grow, invest, and participate fully in the economy.

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Beyond fintech: Why Rwanda is building digital public infrastructure