AI to Lead Discussions at 2025 Afreximbank Compliance Forum in Kigali
▼ Summary
– Afreximbank and the National Bank of Rwanda will co-host the 2025 Afreximbank Compliance Forum (ACF2025) from November 12–14 in Kigali, Rwanda.
– The forum’s theme focuses on using AI to enhance trade security and compliance through modern AML/CFT frameworks, including faster risk assessments and fraud detection.
– AI is recognized as a current strategic tool for compliance, driving trade growth, ensuring regulatory alignment, and improving Africa’s integration into the global economy.
– Key topics at the forum will include AI integration in AML/CFT, FATF digital transformation insights, and strategies for combating trade-based money laundering.
– ACF2025 builds on Afreximbank’s AI investments in client onboarding, real-time risk monitoring, and secure transaction processing to advance compliance and trade.
The 2025 Afreximbank Compliance Forum in Kigali will place artificial intelligence at the center of discussions on trade security and regulatory innovation across Africa. Organized by the African Export-Import Bank alongside the National Bank of Rwanda, the event underscores how AI is transforming compliance from a regulatory burden into a strategic asset for economic growth and secure cross-border trade.
Scheduled for November 12–14, the forum adopts the theme “Better Compliance – Better Trade: Embracing AI to Promote and Secure Trade Through a Modern AML/CFT Compliance Framework.” Discussions will focus on AI’s role in accelerating risk evaluation, improving fraud identification, simplifying due diligence, and enabling live oversight of international transactions. These technological strides are instrumental in fighting financial crime, increasing transparency, and constructing reliable compliance structures that support Africa’s trade expansion.
Dr. George Elombi, Executive Vice-President of Governance, Legal and Corporate Services at Afreximbank, emphasized that AI is already redefining compliance standards today, not in some distant future. He noted that strong compliance mechanisms not only align with legal requirements but also build confidence among trade partners, encourage equitable competition, ease financial access, and support Africa’s deeper involvement in worldwide markets. The partnership with Rwanda reflects a mutual dedication to promoting compliance innovation, protecting financial honesty, and encouraging lasting trade development.
Hon. Soraya M. Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, highlighted compliance as the foundation of financial steadiness, trust, and long-term prosperity. By adopting global standards and technological advances like AI, Rwanda aims to bolster market integrity, increase investor trust, and cement its reputation as a reliable global trade ally. Hosting the forum demonstrates the country’s leadership and Africa’s joint effort to utilize technology, defend financial systems, and realize the continent’s significant trade possibilities.
A wide range of participants is anticipated, including central bankers, international and local regulators, commercial banking representatives, legal experts, compliance professionals, trade specialists, financial bodies, development allies, fintech firms, auditors, and financial intelligence units from across Africa and beyond.
Central topics at ACF2025 will cover the incorporation of artificial intelligence in compliance and its effect on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) efficiency – Interest in compliance as a catalyst for trade has surged noticeably – with attendance at last year’s forum in Dakar more than doubling compared to the prior year. That event gathered delegates from 36 nations and showcased 25 worldwide and regional specialists.ACF2025 continues Afreximbank’s pioneering work in trade-focused compliance and its dedication to AI-driven systems that simplify client onboarding, allow instantaneous risk assessment, and guarantee protected transaction handling.
Registration for the forum is available online at www.ACF2025.com.
(Source: MEA Tech Watch)