Forum Program

Kigali CBFF — August 9–11, 2026

An avant-première day of site visits and discoveries (August 9), followed by two intensive days of high-level policy dialogue, deal room matchmaking, and bilateral negotiations (August 10–11).

Location

Kigali, Rwanda

Dates

August 9 – 11, 2026

Core Objective

Mobilize financing, trade opportunities and international partnerships for African SMEs

AVANT-PREMIÈRE — Sunday, August 9, 2026

Site Visits & Discoveries — Kigali as Africa's Innovation Capital

09:00–09:30

Welcome & Registration

— Arrival of participants
— Welcome package & forum briefing

09:30–12:30

Site Visits — Kigali Innovation & Business District

— Guided tours of key Rwandan enterprises and innovation hubs
— Showcasing Rwanda's business environment and investment climate
— Meetings with local entrepreneurs and ecosystem stakeholders

12:30–14:00

Networking Lunch

14:00–16:30

Discovery Sessions — Rwanda's Financial & Digital Ecosystem

— Overview of Rwanda's financial sector landscape
— Introduction to the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC)
— Digital infrastructure and mobile money ecosystem deep-dive

16:30–17:30

Briefing — Forum Structure & Deal Room Preparation

— Overview of the 2-day forum agenda
— Deal Room matchmaking process explained
— SME pitch preparation guidance

19:00–21:00