Artificial intelligence is set to dominate discussions at the 2025 Afreximbank Compliance Forum (ACF2025), scheduled to take place from November 12 to 14 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The gathering, organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), will spotlight the transformative role of AI in strengthening Africa’s financial compliance systems and boosting trade opportunities.
Held under the theme “Better Compliance – Better Trade: Embracing AI to Promote and Secure Trade Through a Modern AML/CFT Compliance Framework”, the Forum will explore how AI-driven tools are advancing risk assessments, fraud detection, and real-time monitoring of cross-border transactions
AI: From cost to growth driver
The Forum will highlight how AI is transforming compliance systems by enhancing anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) frameworks.
Tools such as real-time transaction monitoring, automated fraud detection, and AI-driven risk assessments are enabling financial institutions to curb illicit financial flows while fostering a more secure environment for trade across Africa and beyond.
Dr George Elombi, Executive Vice President of Governance, Legal, and Corporate Services at Afreximbank and incoming President, emphasised the shift in perception.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not the future of compliance; it is already shaping the present. Once considered a regulatory cost, it is now recognised as a strategic driver of trade and economic growth.”
According to Dr Elombi, strengthening compliance through AI not only boosts investor confidence but also enhances Africa’s integration into the global economy by aligning with international regulatory standards.
Rwanda’s global spotlight
Rwanda, which has rapidly positioned itself as a trusted financial hub, will leverage this forum to showcase its growing influence in international trade and financial governance.
Rwanda’s Central Bank Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye said hosting the event underscores Rwanda’s leadership in global financial innovation.
“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.”
A meeting point for global financial leaders
ACF2025 is expected to attract a wide array of participants, including Central bankers and regulators, global compliance experts, commercial bankers, fintech innovators, auditors, financial intelligence agencies, and development partners from Africa and beyond.
Key themes during the forum will include, among others, AI’s impact on AML/CFT effectiveness, insights from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on digital transformation, lessons from African countries exiting the FATF grey list, detection of Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML), and best practices in correspondent banking and AI-enabled customer onboarding.
Last year’s compliance forum in Dakar, Senegal, drew delegates from 36 countries and doubled attendance compared to 2023.
With the 2025 edition, Afreximbank is reinforcing its reputation as a continental leader in compliance and trade facilitation, investing in AI-powered platforms that streamline client onboarding, secure cross-border transactions, and boost transparency.
The Kigali Forum will not only address Africa’s unique trade realities but will also situate the continent within broader global efforts to modernise financial compliance through digital transformation.
