SAM, the African Inclusive Finance Week, gathered 1100 participants from 63 countries in Nairobi, Kenya from 13 to 17 October . This biannual event funded by the Luxembourg Development Cooperation and organised by the Luxembourgish NGO ADA strengthens the inclusive finance sector in Africa. The 2025 edition focused on refocusing on the needs of vulnerable populations in the face of economic, political and climate crises, in order to strengthen their resilience, adaptability and autonomy. The two-day conference explored three main themes: the changing needs of existing and new clients in a constantly evolving environment; how financial service providers adapt to these changes (innovation, regulation and impact on end clients); and new approaches to funding inclusive finance while keeping the client at the centre.

Why SAM matters

The 2025 edition of SAM, the African Inclusive Finance Week was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 13 to 17 October. With more than 1,100 participants from 63 countries, including 34 African countries, it is the biggest inclusive finance event in Africa. 

SAM plays a key role in Africa because it accelerates the development of inclusive and sustainable finance that serves vulnerable populations and small businesses across the continent. Every two years, it brings together over a thousand professionals to share experiences, build partnerships and develop concrete solutions in favour of financial inclusion.

Financial services such as savings accounts, payment solutions or loans are key pillars of sustainable development as they enable vulnerable households and micro businesses to make purchases to meet their daily needs, manage their cash, save and invest for the future and, above all, withstand financial shocks. Despite their potential to increase resilience and reduce socio-economic inequalities, these tailored services remain unavailable to large sections of the population, particularly in Africa. This is why it is so important to develop concrete solutions that offer products and services which genuinely meet the needs of economically vulnerable people and businesses.

In this context, the support of the Luxembourg government is vital. It guarantees the sustainability of this unique platform for dialogue, capacity building and investment, serving more inclusive and more resilient finance in Africa.

Meeting the needs of vulnerable people

The SAM week included a two-day conference which explored how to tailor savings, loans and insurance products to the needs of vulnerable people such as women, migrants, rural populations and young entrepreneurs in a constantly changing environment. The political balance in Africa is shifting, and climatic shocks such as droughts and floods are increasing in frequency, forcing many people to adapt to new living and working conditions.

At the same time, the financial service providers themselves also need to adapt to change by balancing innovation with regulation and client protection. They will need to meet clients' needs proactively, ensure operational agility and leverage technology and innovation (including artificial intelligence) to streamline processes, enhance service delivery and avoid obsolescence. This will only be possible with diversified funding sources and instruments and a balanced mix of local and international capital. 

 “There are numerous and evolving challenges facing the inclusive finance sector. Rapid technological change, shifting regulatory environments, and – most importantly – the ever-changing needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in regions grappling with instability and the growing impact of climate change. In this context, inclusive finance is an essential tool for increasing resilience and for enabling people to live autonomously.”

Gilles Franck, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of ADA.

An ecosystem for innovation and investment

Organised by ADA, in partnership with AMFI-K (Association of Microfinance Institutions of Kenya) and MAIN (Microfinance African Institutions Network), SAM offered a full week of activities, including:

• a two-day conference,
• an Investor Fair bringing together impact investors, microfinance institutions and innovative enterprises,
• and an Innovators’ Village showcasing the latest inclusive finance products and solutions.

This edition was supported by Luxembourg Development Cooperation and by the Kenyan Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development.

Further information on SAM

Minister Bettel visits projects supported by ADA

During his visit to Kenya, Minister Bettel, the Luxembourgish Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, visited a project with local smallholder farmers that is supported by the ADA-coordinated Smallholder SustaiNability Upscaling Programme. In addition, he met students of a hospitality school who are funded by Chancen International/Zamuka, an investee of FIT, the Financing Innovation Tool set up by ADA with the support of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.

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Further information on Minister Bettel’s visit to Kenya (in French)