Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to driving inclusive economic growth across Africa through innovation, collaboration, and investment in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the African Inclusive Finance Week (AIFW) 2025 in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, said Kenya is proud to host the continent’s premier financial inclusion event, which brings together policymakers, investors, and innovators from across Africa and beyond.
“It gives me great honor and pride to join you at the inaugural African Inclusive Finance Week. On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, we are privileged to host our brothers and sisters from the continent for this important dialogue,” said Oparanya.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the government’s focus is on building strong partnerships and policy frameworks that support the growth of MSMEs — the backbone of Africa’s economy.
He highlighted Kenya’s Hustler Fund, a government-backed digital lending and savings platform, as a transformative initiative that has expanded access to affordable, collateral-free credit for millions of Kenyans while promoting a culture of saving and financial discipline.
“We are deliberate about our policy choices — creating innovative partnerships that strengthen the MSME sector through funding and infrastructure development,” Oparanya added.
He said Kenya remains open for business and called on both African and global investors to take advantage of the continent’s youthful and innovative population, growing infrastructure, and improving business environment.
“Sustainable inclusion cannot be achieved by government alone. Kenya has a clear public-private partnership and investment roadmap. Africa is open for business — not only as a market but as a co-partner in progress,” he said.
The week-long summit, themed “Africa’s Inclusive Finance Story: Innovation, Investment, and Impact,” has brought together representatives from 61 nationalities, making it one of the most diverse financial inclusion gatherings on the continent.
Symon Kamore, Vice Chairperson of the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Kenya (AMFI-K), underscored the importance of financial inclusion as a driver of human dignity and empowerment.
“Inclusive finance is not merely about providing access to financial services — it’s about unlocking human potential, empowering communities, and advancing equity,” Kamore said.
“This dialogue gives us a unique chance to reflect on progress, confront persistent barriers, and chart practical pathways toward a sustainable financial future.”
Gilles Frank, Vice-Chairman of ADA, traced the evolution of the event from its origins as the African Microfinance Week (SAM) in 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania, with just 250 participants, to the current 2025 edition, which has attracted over 1,100 delegates.
“The name change from African Microfinance Week to African Inclusive Finance Week reflects our commitment to embracing diversity in the sector,” said Frank.
“We are expanding our partnerships beyond microfinance institutions to include fintechs, agritechs, incubators, accelerators, and impact enterprises.”
Frank said ADA and its partners are now focusing on a systemic approach to financial inclusion — one that not only enhances access to credit but also promotes sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, renewable energy, and agroforestry as key pillars of community resilience.
The African Inclusive Finance Week 2025 seeks to strengthen cross-border cooperation, promote innovation, and advance investment in sectors that support vulnerable and underserved populations across Africa.
The event — which has drawn participation from financial institutions, development agencies, governments, and private sector actors — is expected to culminate in a declaration outlining new commitments to deepen financial inclusion and economic empowerment across the continent.
As Kenya positions itself as a continental leader in inclusive finance and digital innovation, the forum is also seen as a strategic platform to showcase the country’s progress in financial technology, cooperative development, and MSME transformation.
“This is the time to invest in Africa — to write Africa’s inclusive finance story,” Oparanya concluded. “We have a young, dynamic population ready to innovate, and governments determined to build a resilient continental market.”
The African Inclusive Finance Week (formerly the African Microfinance Week) is Africa’s largest gathering dedicated to promoting inclusive finance and entrepreneurship.
It brings together policymakers, development partners, and industry leaders to advance sustainable financial ecosystems across the continent.
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