Kigali, Rwanda – May 7, 2025 — Rwanda’s ambition to transform into Africa’s leading financial powerhouse was center stage today at the Africa Congress of Accountants (ACOA) 2025. Speaking to an audience of over 2,000 finance professionals and policymakers from 65 countries, Nick Barigye, CEO of Rwanda Finance Limited, delivered a keynote address that positioned Rwanda not just as a participant in Africa’s financial future, but as a driving force.
In a compelling speech titled “Building Africa’s Financial Talent for Global Competitiveness: The Case of Rwanda as a Rising Financial Hub,” Barigye shared Rwanda’s vision to become a globally competitive International Financial Centre, with a sharp focus on human capital development.
“Our vision is clear: to position Rwanda as the preferred International Financial Centre in Africa,” Barigye declared. “But it’s not just about buildings or infrastructure — it’s about people. The key ingredient of every thriving financial hub is its talent: accountants, lawyers, tax experts, fintech innovators.”
Barigye underscored that while Africa is home to a dynamic and youthful population, its financial systems still struggle with limited access to long-term, patient capital — a gap that International Financial Centres like the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) are uniquely positioned to bridge. Notably, KIFC now ranks third in sub-Saharan Africa and among the top 140 global financial hubs, according to the Global Financial Centres Index.
A Three-Pillar Talent StrategyTo achieve this transformation, Rwanda is executing a strategic three-pronged approach to talent:
- Building a strong pipeline of local professionals
- Upskilling current talent
- Attracting global experts for knowledge transfer
Through long-term partnerships with global institutions such as the CFA Institute, Pearson Point, and the Luxembourg School of Business, Rwanda is embedding globally recognized training in areas like mergers and acquisitions, fund management, ESG compliance, and corporate governance.
Barigye announced a landmark partnership between KIFC and the Jersey International Financial Centre. This collaboration will offer immersive, two-year training programs to young Rwandan professionals, preparing them for careers as CFOs, tax advisors, and fund managers.
Preparing for the Digital Future
Rwanda is also embracing digital transformation. Barigye highlighted the launch of the Rwanda Artificial Intelligence Centre — a pan-African platform focused on responsible AI — as a signal of Rwanda’s intent to integrate AI, cybersecurity, and digital finance into its financial systems.
“The accountant of tomorrow is not just a bookkeeper — they are a data analyst, strategist, and digital-first thinker,” he stated, emphasizing the need to future-proof Africa’s financial workforce.
A Vision Beyond Borders
While proud of Rwanda’s progress, Barigye called for a pan-African approach to building financial ecosystems. He urged countries to harmonize regulations, recognize each other’s qualifications, and allow seamless cross-border professional mobility.
“Let’s imagine an Africa where a professional trained in Kigali can seamlessly work in Nairobi, Accra, or Johannesburg — and vice versa. That’s the Africa we must build,” Barigye urged, earning applause from delegates.
Barigye concluded with a clear and urgent rallying cry for Africa’s financial sector:Invest in talent — Human capital must be the centerpiece of development.Redefine financial skills — Prepare professionals for relevance in the digital age.Build confidence in global markets — Empower African professionals to lead IPOs, ESG innovations, and global negotiations.“In Rwanda, we say ‘knowledge is wealth,’” Barigye concluded. “Let’s ensure that Africa’s financial knowledge becomes its competitive face on the global stage.”
About ACOA 2025
Hosted by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR) in partnership with the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), ACOA 2025 runs from May 6–9 at the Kigali Convention Centre. Under the theme “Creating Value for Africa,” this 8th edition of the biennial congress brings together top-tier professionals, regulators, and innovators to drive Africa’s financial and economic transformation.
