Advancing African Financial Centres: Key Takeaways from the WAIFC AGM in Frankfurt

The Africa Roundtable of Financial Centres (ARFC) joined global peers at the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Frankfurt. Representing the pulse of the continent’s financial growth, members from Casablanca Finance City, NIFC (Kenya), TRIFIC SEZ (Kenya), Rwanda Finance (KIFC), and EnterpriseNGR (Nigeria) convened to align on a shared roadmap for African prosperity.

Connecting Africa for Global Competitiveness

Central to the ARFC’s mission is the vision of “Connecting African Financial Centres for Global Competitiveness.” During the AGM, members participated in strategic sessions focused on investment promotion, sustainable finance, and fintech growth.

By sharing best practices and harmonizing regional strategies, the ARFC is working to ensure that African markets are not just participants in the global financial landscape, but leaders. The discussions highlighted regional integration as the primary engine for attracting high-value investment and driving inclusive growth across the continent.

Exploring the Frontier: The Digital Euro and Monetary Innovation

A significant highlight of the Frankfurt engagement was a high-level briefing at the Deutsche Bundesbank. ARFC members engaged in deep-dive discussions on the Digital Euro and the evolving architecture of Europe’s monetary system.

As the Digital Euro moves from conceptual exploration toward practical application, the ARFC remains attentive to how these shifts impact global financial sovereignty and resilience. For African financial centres, staying connected to these international digital milestones is crucial. These insights help inform domestic agendas—such as the growth of the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC) and other regional hubs—ensuring Africa’s financial infrastructure is prepared for the “Economy of Tomorrow.”

Commitment to the Future

The ARFC’s participation at the WAIFC AGM reinforces the power of international cooperation. By amplifying Africa’s voice within global alliances, the Roundtable continues to advocate for a financial ecosystem that prioritizes innovation, financial inclusion, and cross-border collaboration.

As the Roundtable moves forward, the focus remains clear: building a unified, technologically advanced, and globally competitive African financial sector.