The Rwanda Bankers’ Association (RBA) invites researchers, academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and fintech innovators to submit papers for the 2025 Annual Banking Research Conference under the theme: “Credit Markets Dynamics in Rwanda: Technology, Regulation, and Competition.”

Background

Rwanda’s financial sector has experienced transformative changes with the rapid adoption of financial technology, evolving regulatory landscapes, and increasing market competition. These developments present opportunities and challenges, particularly for SMEs and underserved communities. The conference aims to explore the drivers of growth and the barriers limiting the inclusiveness and affordability of credit markets in Rwanda.

This platform will bring together diverse perspectives to address critical questions surrounding the role of technology, regulatory frameworks, and competitive forces in shaping the future of Rwanda’s credit ecosystem.

Key Topics of Interest

Submissions are encouraged on the following topics, though not limited to:

• The role of fintech in reshaping credit access and affordability in Rwanda.
• Regulatory frameworks: Opportunities and challenges in fostering innovation and stability.
• SME financing: Strategies to close the persistent credit gap.
• The impact of competition between banks and fintechs on market dynamics.
• Leveraging technology to mitigate risks associated with micro-lending.
• Global and regional comparisons of credit market evolution.

The emphasis of the Conference will be on high quality papers with a clear balance between theory and application, and policy and/or business relevance of the research findings.

An honorarium will be paid for each paper selected for the conference. Further, all conference papers will be reviewed and published as Working Papers by the Rwanda Bankers’ Association Research Centre.

Requirements

Submissions should align with the following guidelines:

1. Full paper (not more than 8,000 words) or a concept paper (not more than 2,500 words). The submission must be strongly aligned to the above motivated theme.
2. The concept paper/full paper should focus on either one of the areas outline or bring out dimensions of linkages to other areas in the theme line.
3. The concept paper/full paper should have a 300-word abstract.
4. A brief biography of the author(s) that includes professional qualifications and research experience. The biography should not be more than one pages.