Equity Group CEO Dr James Mwangi has called for stronger collaboration between governments, financial institutions and technology firms to unlock Africa’s digital economy and boost intra-African trade.
Speaking at a high-level Tech Breakfast hosted by Equity Group on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali, Mwangi said Africa’s growth trajectory depends on integrating technology with finance to create scalable platforms for businesses and entrepreneurs.
“We need an intersection of technology and money,” he said. “We want to enable trade across the continent and create platforms that empower businesses and entrepreneurs to scale.”
The session, themed “From Fintech to Futuretech: Scaling Africa’s Digital Economy,” brought together policymakers, investors and innovators to explore the infrastructure needed to support the continent’s digital transformation.
Mwangi emphasized the importance of long-term investment in digital systems that can expand financial inclusion and strengthen enterprise development, particularly among young entrepreneurs.
“We want the youth to leverage technology to develop their enterprises and participate meaningfully in the digital economy,” he said.
He added that Africa’s transformation would require institutions willing to develop shared infrastructure and deepen cross-border cooperation beyond traditional silos.
“The Africa CEO Forum has been about scaling, and this is an invitation for all of us to scale together, partnering to build public infrastructure that serves the entire continent,” he said.
Discussions also focused on emerging technologies such as blockchain, digital assets and decentralized systems, with participants noting their potential to improve transparency, efficiency and access to financial services across African markets.
Rwanda’s ICT and Innovation Minister Paula Ingabire said African countries must take greater ownership of their digital transformation by building systems that deliver value to local economies.
She highlighted the growing importance of digital infrastructure — including cross-border payment systems, digital identity and data governance frameworks — describing data as a key strategic economic asset.
“We need to start setting the pace on how technology empowers us and builds value for our people,” she said. “The rails are ours to build and the rules are ours to create.”
The forum took place as African governments and businesses intensify efforts to strengthen regional integration and digital connectivity to support trade, innovation and economic inclusion across the continent.