Panels & Speakers

Concise, Practical Contributions Designed to Deliver Immediate Value to SMEs

Panel Methodology

CBFF-SME Panels: Discussions That Lead to Solutions

At the CBFF-SME, panels are not conventional conferences. They are designed as genuine decision workshops in which every speaker provides practical solutions that SMEs, investors and partners can apply immediately.

Each panellist joins a “Results Consortium” and commits to delivering useful, measurable and action-oriented content.

A Methodology Based on the 3C Rule

Concrete · Costed · Contract-Ready

Every contribution must meet three criteria. Each presentation is followed by a focused five-minute exchange. At the end of the panel, a speed-coaching session allows selected SMEs to explore specific issues in greater depth.

Concrete

Present a directly applicable solution, process, method or practical case study.

Costed

Support proposals with quantified data, costs, timelines, thresholds or measurable outcomes.

Contract-Ready

Define a next step capable of leading to a mandate, offer, agreement or transaction.

A Dynamic Format

Each Panel Lasts 60 Minutes

3 + 1

3 panellists and 1 moderator

15 min

Per speaker

5 min

Focused audience discussion

15 min

Speed Coaching after the panel with pre-selected SMEs

The objective is to turn discussion into concrete business opportunities.

Commitments of Panellists and Moderators

What Each Speaker Commits To

Prioritising practical solutions over institutional presentations;
Avoiding institutional presentations focused solely on the organisation;
Sharing at least one downloadable tool, template, guide or resource that participants can use;
Taking part in a fifteen-minute speed-coaching session with selected SMEs;
Helping to define the next steps required to advance projects;
Contributing to defining concrete next steps following the discussions.

Themes and Target Profiles

Rwanda 2026 Edition

Investing from Rwanda: Why and How?

Objective

Present the legal, financial, tax and operational conditions required to understand why and how Rwanda can be used as a regional platform for investment and business development.

Target profiles

Representative of KIFC or RDB, pan-African investor, or a company that has expanded its activities from Rwanda.

Practical deliverable

Practical Guide for Investors in Rwanda.

Blending Public and Private Capital to Reduce SME Risk

Objective

Present mechanisms showing how public and private financing, combined with guarantees, can improve access to finance.

Target profiles

Development finance institution, risk-management executive from a commercial bank, investment fund or guarantee mechanism.

Practical deliverable

Case study on structuring a guaranteed financing solution.

AfCFTA Corridors: Financing Cross-Border Trade

Objective

Reduce barriers relating to cross-border payments, foreign exchange, transport and credit insurance, while facilitating payments, logistics, insurance and regional trade.

Target profiles

PAPSS representative, freight forwarder specialising in the Rwanda–DRC–Tanzania corridors, export credit insurance expert and MINICOM export specialist.

Practical deliverable

Full simulation of a cross-border transaction.

From Kigali to Brussels and Canada: Successfully Entering International Markets

Objective

Understand the regulatory, commercial and quality requirements of European, Canadian and other international markets.

Target profiles

Expert in EU/Canada–Africa trade agreements, specialist in phytosanitary and ESG standards, buyer from a major retail group, or international business lawyer.

Practical deliverable

Product stress test comparing standard packaging with packaging aligned with premium-market expectations, together with a comparative export-readiness assessment.

Youth and Fintech: Accelerating Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship

Objective

Identify digital solutions capable of reducing costs, improving access to finance and supporting young businesses.

Target profiles

Fintech founder, bank or payment operator, young entrepreneur, investor or accelerator.

Practical deliverable

Demonstration of a fintech solution and an investor-pitch preparation framework.

Securing Cross-Border Transactions: From Letter of Intent to Enforceable Contract

Objective

Equip SMEs with the legal and compliance tools required to secure their international commitments.

Target profiles

International business lawyer with expertise in OHADA law and Common Law, notary or registrar of the Kigali Commercial Court, compliance officer from a pan-African bank, or AfCFTA expert.

Practical deliverable

Exporter’s legal toolkit, including term-sheet templates, arbitration clauses, contractual provisions and key risk considerations.

SheFlies to Trade — Women and International Trade: Reimagining the Model

Objective

Address the financing, mobility, logistics and market-access barriers faced by women entrepreneurs.

Target profiles

Woman export entrepreneur, financial institution or fund, airline or logistics operator, and organisation supporting trade and women’s entrepreneurship.

Practical deliverable

SheFlies to Trade roadmap and practical recommendations to facilitate business travel and exports.

A Fundamental Difference

Measured by Opportunities Created, Not Attendance

At the CBFF-SME, the success of a panel is measured not by attendance, but by the number of opportunities created. Every session is designed to produce practical deliverables, facilitate qualified meetings and accelerate the conclusion of partnerships, financing arrangements and contracts.

Detailed Programme in Preparation

What the Official Programme Will Include

The official programme will specify the timetable, speakers, moderators and final format of each session. It will include, in particular:

The opening ceremony and institutional addresses;

Thematic panels and speed-coaching sessions;

B2B meetings and Deal Room sessions;

The VIP Dinner and qualified networking sessions.

View Program →

Join the Panel

Register Your Interest to Become a Panelist

We welcome proposals from finance leaders, policymakers, investors, legal and logistics experts, and SME ecosystem builders who can meet the 3C standard. Contact the CBFF-SME secretariat to discuss a speaking role.

info@netkigali.com+250 788 991 551 (Kigali)+32 491 23 54 47 (Brussels)