KIGALI, Rwanda (Chatnewstv.com) — Artificial intelligence will take center stage at the 2025 Afreximbank Compliance Forum in Kigali this November, as African regulators and trade experts explore new tools to fight financial crime and unlock global market opportunities.
The African Export-Import Bank, in partnership with the National Bank of Rwanda, will host the forum from November 12–14 under the theme “Better Compliance – Better Trade: Embracing AI to Promote and Secure Trade Through a Modern AML/CFT Compliance Framework.” The event will highlight how AI is helping financial institutions accelerate risk assessments, detect fraud, and monitor cross-border transactions in real time.
Dr. George Elombi, executive vice president of governance, legal and corporate services and incoming president of Afreximbank, said compliance is no longer just a regulatory burden but a driver of trade and growth.
“Artificial intelligence is not the future of compliance, it is already shaping the present,” Elombi said.
“Robust compliance frameworks help ensure legal and regulatory alignment and reassure trade partners of integrity in business. This creates fairer competition, improves access to finance, and strengthens Africa’s integration into the global economy.”
Elombi added that the partnership with Rwanda reflects a joint commitment to innovation in compliance and financial security.
“Together, we are committed to equipping financial institutions and regulators with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships they need to balance innovation with strong governance—ensuring a secure, transparent, and competitive trading environment for the continent,” he said.
Hon. Soraya M. Hakuziyaremye, governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, said compliance is a cornerstone of financial stability and trust.
“At the National Bank of Rwanda, we consider compliance as the cornerstone of financial stability, trust, and sustainable growth,” Hakuziyaremye said.
“By aligning with international best practices and leveraging innovations such as artificial intelligence, we are reinforcing the integrity of our market, deepening investor confidence, and strengthening Rwanda’s standing as a trusted partner in global trade.”
She added that hosting the event in Kigali underlines Rwanda’s role in Africa’s collective effort to modernize compliance systems.
“Our collaboration with Afreximbank reflects a shared vision to advance modern compliance standards that not only meet global benchmarks but also address Africa’s unique trade realities,” Hakuziyaremye said.
The three-day forum is expected to draw central bankers, regulators, compliance officers, legal experts, fintech innovators, auditors, and financial intelligence units from across Africa and beyond. Topics will include AI’s role in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, lessons from African countries exiting the FATF grey list, and strategies for trade-based money laundering detection.
Afreximbank said the event builds on last year’s forum in Dakar, Senegal, where participation more than doubled compared to the previous year. That gathering drew delegates from 36 countries and featured 25 expert speakers.
Registration for the Afreximbank Compliance Forum 2025 is open at acf2025.com.
