The fifth edition of the African Inclusive Finance Week (SAM 2025) officially opened on Monday in Nairobi, bringing together more than 1,000 delegates from across the continent.
The high-profile event, running from October 13 to 17 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), was officially inaugurated by the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and SMEs, Wycliffe Oparanya.
This year’s summit brings together financial experts, innovators, policymakers, investors, and development partners to explore ways of enhancing inclusive finance a sector seen as critical in addressing poverty, inequality, and economic resilience in Africa.
The week-long event features a packed agenda that includes training workshops, panel discussions, an investor fair, and an Innovators’ Village, all aimed at accelerating financial inclusion and strengthening Africa’s financial ecosystems.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, CS Oparanya said Kenya remains at the forefront of financial inclusion on the continent, citing innovations such as mobile money, digital credit, agency banking, and supportive government policies under the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
ALSO READ:
Biashara DT Sacco to roll out online digital loans next year
Oparanya said Kenya continues to lead the way in inclusive finance, driven by a strong fintech ecosystem and progressive regulatory frameworks that support access for all, especially underserved populations.
Stakeholders at the event also underscored Kenya’s growing reputation as a regional fintech hub, with a strong track record in expanding access to financial services through technology and public-private partnerships.
The conference comes at a time when many African countries are grappling with economic uncertainty, rising youth unemployment, and limited access to formal financial services, particularly in rural areas. Organisers say SAM 2025 will focus on practical solutions, including sustainable digital finance, microcredit innovations, gender-focused financing, and regulatory reform.
The event is organised by the ADA Microfinance Platform in partnership with local stakeholders including the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Kenya (AMFI-K) and development partners across Africa and beyond.
SAM (Semaine Africaine de la Microfinance) was first launched in 2013 and has since become one of the most significant platforms for inclusive finance in Africa.
By Obegi Malack
Get more stories from our website:Â Sacco Review.Â
For comments and clarifications, write to:Â Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
