KIGALI, RWANDA — Global payments platform Visa Direct is set to feature at the Africa Fintech Summit 2026 in Kigali, as financial institutions, technology companies and regulators prepare to discuss the future of cross-border payments across the continent.
The three-day summit will take place from November 18 to 20 at the Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together industry leaders, investors, policymakers and fintech entrepreneurs from Africa and beyond.
The gathering comes as African businesses and consumers continue to face high international transfer costs, currency conversion challenges and difficulties moving money between different banking and mobile-money networks.
Visa Direct to Address Africa’s Payment Challenges
Organisers have announced Viveka Govender, Senior Director and Head of Visa Direct for Southern and Eastern Africa, as a keynote speaker at the summit.
Govender is expected to share insights into cross-border payment innovation, remittances and partnerships connecting African financial institutions with international payment networks.
Visa Direct enables eligible banks, fintech companies and other partners to facilitate payments to supported bank accounts, cards and digital wallets.
According to Visa, its global money-movement network reaches more than 195 countries and territories, although service availability depends on individual markets, financial institutions and payment arrangements.
Cross-Border Payments Take Centre Stage
One of the major issues facing African businesses is the difficulty of transferring funds quickly and affordably between countries.
Importers, exporters and individuals receiving international remittances often deal with different banking systems, foreign-exchange charges and settlement delays.
Financial technology companies are developing solutions designed to connect these systems and improve payment accessibility.
The Kigali summit will examine how payment interoperability, regulatory cooperation and financial infrastructure can help address these challenges.
Stablecoins and Blockchain Enter the Discussion
Stablecoins and blockchain technology will also feature in discussions about the future of Africa’s digital payment industry.
Stablecoins, particularly those linked to the US dollar, are increasingly being explored as alternative settlement tools for international transactions.
However, their wider adoption still faces challenges involving financial regulation, reserve transparency, cybersecurity and consumer protection.
Industry participants are expected to examine how traditional payment networks and blockchain-based services could work together to improve financial connectivity.
Kigali Summit to Explore Fintech Integration
The conference programme also includes discussions on artificial intelligence, investment opportunities, financial inclusion and the proposed Kigali Declaration.
Another important subject is fintech licence passporting, an approach intended to make it easier for appropriately regulated financial technology companies to expand across African markets.
The summit will also feature startup presentations, investor discussions and networking opportunities aimed at encouraging partnerships within Africa’s financial technology industry.
However, proposed initiatives and partnerships will still require the relevant regulatory approvals and commercial agreements before implementation.
What This Means for Africa’s Digital Economy
The participation of major international payment providers highlights growing interest in Africa’s expanding digital financial services market.
For African businesses, the real benefits will depend on whether these discussions lead to more reliable payments, lower transaction costs and improved access to financial services.
The Kigali gathering offers an opportunity for regulators, banks and fintech innovators to identify practical solutions to longstanding payment challenges.
The longer-term test will be whether the ideas discussed translate into services that make moving money across African borders easier, safer and more affordable.
Have Your Say
What is your biggest challenge when sending or receiving money across African borders: high charges, slow transfers, exchange rates or limited mobile-money access?
Share your opinions and questions in the comments. We welcome your contributions to discussions about Africa’s digital financial future.
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Francis Chinedu is a Nigerian-born digital marketing specialist, a bitcoin and blockchain enthusiast, and a YouTuber who enjoys covering events that empower young Africans, especially in technology.
