The conversation around financial inclusion in Nigeria took center stage at the YALI Nigeria 2026 Summit, and the KAFI Financial Literacy & Empowerment Foundation was proud to be at the heart of it.
Our Founder, Theresa Chibogu moderated the highly anticipated finance panel themed “FinTech & Inclusive Finance: Leveraging Digital Innovation for Economic Opportunity.” The session brought together young leaders, innovators, and change-makers from across the country to explore how technology is reshaping access to finance and creating new pathways to economic empowerment.
Held as part of the annual YALI Nigeria Summit, which convenes outstanding young African leaders committed to driving change in their communities, this year’s edition focused on innovation, leadership, and sustainable development. The FinTech panel was one of the most engaging sessions of the summit, sparking honest conversations about money, access, and the future of finance in Africa.
Theresa brought her signature clarity and passion for financial literacy to the moderation, guiding the conversation beyond buzzwords to practical, people-centered solutions. Her key message was clear: True financial inclusion is not just about having a bank app; it’s about having the knowledge, confidence, and tools to use it well.
Joining her on the panel were two exceptional women leading change in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem:
Sola Adesakin, Founder of Smart Stewards – A renowned personal finance coach and chartered accountant, Sola shared powerful insights on the behavioral side of money. She emphasized that while FinTech has made saving and investing easier, financial discipline remains the foundation. She challenged young people to move from financial literacy to financial action, using digital tools like Smart Stewards to build wealth intentionally.
Toluwalase Obasun, UI/UX Engineer at Wema Bank- Representing the tech and innovation side, Toluwalase gave the audience a behind-the-scenes look at how inclusive products designed. As one of the minds behind user-friendly banking experiences at Wema Bank, she spoke about the importance of designing for the underserved – from market women to students and rural entrepreneurs. “If a product is not easy to use, it is not inclusive,” she noted, highlighting how good design can break barriers to financial access.
Together, the panel explored critical questions: How can FinTech bridge the gap for women and youth in underserved communities? What role does digital literacy play in financial empowerment? And how can young leaders leverage platforms like ALAT, USSD, and other digital innovations to grow their businesses and communities?
For Theresa, the discussion aligned perfectly with KAFI Foundation’s mission. At KAFI, we believe financial literacy is the first step to empowerment. Moderating this panel was not just an honor, but a reaffirmation of our commitment to making finance simple, accessible, and actionable for every Nigerian, especially women and young people
We are grateful to YALI Nigeria for the platform, to our amazing panelists Sola Adesakin and Toluwalase Obasun for their invaluable contributions, and to every young leader who participated and asked thoughtful questions.
The future of finance in Nigeria is digital, inclusive, and youth-driven. And KAFI Foundation will continue to lead conversations that make that future a reality.
