Kenya Positions Itself as Africa’s Financial Inclusion Hub as SAM 2025 Opens in Nairobi
Delegates follow proceedings during the opening ceremony of the African Inclusive Finance Week (SAM 2025) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre
Nairobi, October 14, 2025 — Kenya has reaffirmed its position as a continental leader in financial inclusion as it hosts the African Inclusive Finance Week (SAM 2025) for the first time, bringing together policymakers, investors, innovators and development partners from across Africa and beyond. The event has drawn thousands of delegates to discuss how inclusive finance can accelerate economic growth, reduce inequality and empower vulnerable communities.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Wycliffe Oparanya said Kenya’s leadership in digital and financial innovation has made it a model for other African nations seeking to strengthen their financial ecosystems.
“Financial inclusion is not a luxury, but a necessity for sustainable development,” Oparanya said. “As Africans, we must share ideas and experiences across borders to tackle common challenges. Be it the success in digital finance in Rwanda or mobile money in Kenya, such collaboration will lead to lasting success.”
He noted that Kenya’s development agenda, anchored on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aligns closely with the inclusive finance movement’s goal of expanding access to credit, savings and investment opportunities for all citizens.
Oparanya cited the Hustler Fund, the Affordable Housing Programme, and reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA) as flagship initiatives that demonstrate Kenya’s determination to ensure that no one is left behind. “These programmes link financial innovation with social impact and opportunity,” he said.
The African Inclusive Finance Week (SAM), known in French as Semaine Africaine de la Microfinance is a biennial event that serves as Africa’s largest platform for dialogue, innovation and partnership in inclusive finance. It is organized by ADA, the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Kenya (AMFI), and the Government of Luxembourg, in collaboration with several African and global partners.
Running from October 13 to 17, SAM 2025 features a central conference, more than 20 workshops, an Investor Fair, and an Innovators’ Village showcasing the latest digital finance and fintech solutions.
Oparanya also lauded the Government of Luxembourg and ADA for their continued partnership with Kenya and African institutions, saying the collaboration has been instrumental in advancing the microfinance and MSME agenda across the continent.
“With our thriving fintech ecosystem, bold policy reforms, and youth-driven innovation, Kenya is ready to lead Africa’s next phase of inclusive economic transformation,” he said.