Kigali is set to become the African hub for combating financial crime as it hosts the 2025 Afreximbank Compliance Forum. This crucial event, a collaborative effort between Afreximbank and the National Bank of Rwanda, will address significant challenges such as money laundering, terrorism financing, and illicit financial flows, which collectively cost the continent tens of billions annually. The forum aims to enhance compliance mechanisms and promote the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, recognizing their strategic importance for Africa’s financial stability.
From November 12 to 14, 2025, Rwanda will host the Afreximbank Compliance Forum. This event will bring together experts, regulators, and central banks to address the critical challenge of strengthening financial compliance across Africa. The continent faces an urgent need to harmonize practices and enhance cooperation, as it currently loses an estimated $50 billion to $80 billion annually due to illicit financial flows.
Hosting the Afreximbank Compliance Forum 2025, is a strong sign of confidence in Rwanda’s ability to organise international conferences as it is one of our country’s strategic priorities. It is also a trust in Rwanda’s financial sector and its regulator and partnering with Afreximbank to put compliance at the forefront of conversations but also development in compliance. Kigali now is a place where forward-looking conversations happen.
Soraya HAKUZIYAREMYE, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda
The National Bank of Rwanda views this forum as a crucial platform to emphasize the immediate necessity of modernizing supervisory tools. Afreximbank reports that over 65% of African financial institutions continue to operate without adequately automated compliance systems, leading to slower transactions and increased economic vulnerability. In a world increasingly shaped by the transformative power of artificial intelligence, Kigali aims to lead by example.
In addition to technical discussions, Rwandan authorities and Afreximbank aim to make this forum a transformative catalyst. Rwanda seeks to contribute to a more secure, transparent, and globally competitive African financial system by showcasing its reforms and advocating for stronger regional cooperation. This is crucial for attracting increased investment and fostering the continent’s growth.
