In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, Matteo Rizzi sits down with Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, to discuss how forward-thinking regulation and technological innovation are shaping Africa’s financial ecosystem. Reflecting on her transition from global corporate banking to public leadership, Governor Soraya shares Rwanda’s vision of serving as a proactive “orchestrator” rather than a passive regulator. The conversation explores the role of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), the importance of ongoing dialogue between central bankers and fintech innovators around virtual assets and stablecoins, and the imperative to build local talent and coding skills to drive sustainable, inclusive economic growth across the continent.

In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, Matteo Rizzi sits down with Selma Ribica, founder of First Circle Capital, to explore Africa’s evolving fintech and venture capital landscape. Ribica reflects on her journey from M-Pesa to investing, highlighting how mobile money demonstrated the potential for technology to bring financial services to underserved populations. She explains why First Circle Capital focuses on early-stage fintech founders and how regulation, talent, capital and market maturity shape opportunities across Africa. The discussion also covers regional differences, developing entrepreneurial talent, helping startups scale, and the realities of building and fundraising for a first-time African venture capital fund.

In this episode of Breaking Banks Africa, host Matteo sits down with Mikhail Velichko, CEO of AccèsBanque Madagascar (ABM), to explore how innovation is driving financial inclusion in one of the world’s most underserved banking markets. With fewer than 10% of adults using formal banking services and most businesses operating informally, Madagascar presents unique challenges for lenders and entrepreneurs alike.

Mikhail shares how ABM leverages AI, chatbots, alternative data, and automated credit processes to expand access to finance for MSMEs while maintaining sustainable growth. He also discusses the importance of financial education, local talent development, and community-based outreach in building trust and bringing more people into the formal economy.

The conversation also previews Mikhail’s participation in the Global SME Finance Forum, where he will discuss the role of AI in advancing financial inclusion.