The newly appointed CEO of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), Hortense Mudenge, has outlined her vision for steering Rwanda’s financial hub into its next chapter, focusing on sustainability, strategic continuity, and long-term impact.
Speaking in Episode 5 of the Fired Up for Finance podcast released on August 5, Hortense reflected on her transition from Chief Strategy Officer to CEO, stating that she will build on the existing foundation while advancing KIFC’s next phase of growth. She emphasized her commitment to embedding sustainability as a core principle across the Centre’s strategy and operations, with a focus on scaling impact and strengthening KIFC’s global positioning.
“As we all know, the last five years, we’ve been in startup mode. The institution was established, the team was set up, and we’ve since laid the foundation, putting in place the needed policy and regulatory frameworks that can allow Rwanda to now compete with other international financial centres. So now I think when we look ahead, we’re looking to grow,” she said.
She continued to say: “That growth will be guided by scale and impact, with a clear focus on sustainability. We’re not only working to position and transform Rwanda as a financial centre, but also a hub that promotes and supports sustainable finance. That means we will continue to prioritize investments and investors that deliver both financial returns and a positive social and environmental impact.’’
Hortense mentioned she will work to ensure the long-term strategy remains both purpose-driven and future-ready, while positioning KIFC to stay resilient amid global shifts in climate policy, regulatory changes, and evolving investor expectations.
She noted the KIFC team is not only working to position and transform Rwanda as a premier financial centre, but also as a hub that promotes and supports sustainable finance. She added that KIFC will continue to position itself as a convener for climate-aligned capital and ESG innovation in Rwanda.
Hortense was officially appointed CEO of KIFC on July 16, 2025, taking over from Nick Barigye, who served as the Centre’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer and led it for six years. Now serving as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, Nick is credited with laying the groundwork for KIFC’s rise as a trusted and competitive financial jurisdiction across Africa and beyond.
With Hortense’s leadership and expertise, KIFC is set to continue to advance Rwanda’s position as a trusted hub for international investment and financial innovation in Africa.
Established in 2020, the Kigali International Financial Centre facilitates international investment and cross-border transactions across Africa. It offers investors a globally compliant legal and regulatory environment, positioning Rwanda as a preferred gateway for investment into Africa.
Catch the conversation here: https://rss.com/podcasts/building-a-global-financial-hub-the-kifc-story/2152224/
