Wave Mobile Money Highlights African Youth as a Driver of Innovation and Financial Inclusion at Kigali Business Forum

 Wave Mobile Money brought together leaders from the worlds of sports, finance, technology and public policy in Kigali on May 29 for a high-level Business Brunch focused on youth empowerment, innovation and financial inclusion, underscoring the growing role of digital finance in Africa’s economic transformation.

The event, held during the week of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Finals, was organized under the theme “Youth, Innovation and Financial Inclusion: Building the Next Generation of African Leaders.” It gathered key stakeholders to discuss how digital financial infrastructure can unlock opportunities for millions of young Africans and support entrepreneurship across the continent.

The discussions featured prominent figures from the banking, sports and technology sectors, including Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, Coura Tine Sène, Regional Director of Wave Mobile Money, Diane Karusisi, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Kigali, and Yves Iradukunda, Rwanda’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology and Innovation.

Participants emphasized that Africa’s rapidly growing youth population represents one of the continent’s greatest assets. However, they noted that access to financial services, technology and entrepreneurial support remains critical to translating that demographic advantage into sustainable economic growth.

Speaking during the forum, panelists highlighted the increasing importance of digital payment systems in expanding access to financial services, particularly for underserved populations. They argued that affordable and accessible financial tools can help young entrepreneurs launch businesses, manage transactions more efficiently and participate more actively in the digital economy.

The event also explored the role of partnerships between private-sector companies, financial institutions and governments in fostering innovation. Discussions focused on the need for supportive regulatory environments, investment in digital infrastructure and policies that encourage youth entrepreneurship.

For Wave Mobile Money, the gathering reflected a broader commitment to promoting financial inclusion across Africa. The company has expanded rapidly in several African markets by offering low-cost mobile money services aimed at increasing access to financial products for individuals and small businesses.

The choice of the Basketball Africa League Finals as the backdrop for the event was also significant. Organizers noted that sport has become a powerful platform for engaging Africa’s youth and promoting conversations around leadership, opportunity and economic empowerment.

The Kigali forum took place at a time when African governments, development institutions and private-sector actors are intensifying efforts to leverage digital technologies to accelerate economic growth and reduce financial exclusion. According to participants, strengthening digital financial ecosystems will be essential to ensuring that young Africans can fully participate in the continent’s evolving economy.

As Africa continues its digital transformation, stakeholders at the event agreed that empowering young people through innovation, entrepreneurship and access to financial services will remain a key pillar of long-term development and prosperity.