Home – Cenfri

Evidence-driven impact

Cenfri is an independent not-for-profit development consultancy that works towards inclusive financial sector development and digital transformation in Africa and beyond.

Data-for-decisions work in Rwanda

We work with policymakers, regulators and private sector decision-makers to develop evidence-informed policies and strategic decisions for inclusive digitalisation of the Rwandan economy.

Research. Collaboration. Transformation.

Cenfri is a not-for-profit development consultancy. We generate evidence and insights to help decision-makers navigate economic and digital development and build a more inclusive and sustainable future in Africa and beyond.

Latest insights

Digital Transformation & Data

Reassessing the role of data protection authorities in Africa

The global data governance landscape is rapidly evolving, presenting an opportune moment for African policymakers

Governance, Policy & Regulation

Enabling venture capital for Africa’s growth

A literature review by Cenfri for the Innovative Capital Mobilisation in Africa (ICAMA) initiative, implemented

Consumer Outcomes

Exploring women’s experiences with digital financial services in Africa

This blog series was written as part of GIZ’s Governance of Digital Finance project. Women

Consumer Outcomes

Why are women more vulnerable to risk in digital financial services?

This blog was written as part of GIZ’s Governance of Digital Finance project. Blog 2

Consumer Outcomes

Risk and reality: Digital financial services for women cross-border traders

This blog was written as part of GIZ’s Governance of Digital Finance project. Blog 3

Financial Inclusion

Why are more women in Africa not making use of digital financial services?

This blog was written as part of GIZ’s Governance of Digital Finance project. Blog 1

Our partners

We collaborate with a range of funding partners

Our expertise

Insights across nine research themes that shape inclusive, sustainable economies.

Consumer outcomes

The financial sector should meet consumers’ needs, safeguard their privacy, protect them against cybercrime, and empower them to make informed choices. Cenfri’s work in measurement of outcomes, consumer protection guidelines, and technical assistance contribute to this.

Digital Transformation & Data

Founded on the belief that digitalisation should contribute to inclusion and unlock economic opportunities, our portfolio spans data governance, applied data analytics, responsible digital financial services development, digital economy diagnostics and digitalisation for key economic sectors.

Financial Inclusion

Much of our work, whether focused on digital payments, financial integrity, or building resilience among MSMEs, is driven by a commitment to advancing inclusive financial systems. We help ensure that financial services are accessible, affordable, and appropriate for underserved individuals and enterprises.

Financial Integrity & Identity

Drawing on our expertise in FATF guidelines, identity systems and risk analytics, we support policymakers, regulators and industry leaders apply risk-based approaches to tackling money laundering and terrorism financing without exacerbating financial exclusion.

Governance, Policy & Regulation

Building on our legal and regulatory expertise and data skills, we support policymakers, regulators and supervisors in emerging markets to develop or implement context-appropriate policy and regulation aligned with global best practice.

MSMEs, Ecosystems & Economic Opportunity

We undertake research and support interventions that strengthen MSMEs, startup ecosystems and value chains to enhance livelihoods, unlock innovation, and drive inclusive economic growth in emerging markets.

Payments & Remittances

By assisting central banks, payment operators and system participants navigate domestic and cross-border payments modernisation, we aim to position retail payments as a public good that advances economic inclusion. Cenfri has delivered a range of payments projects across Africa.

Resilience & Insurance

Cenfri strengthens insurance markets by supporting responsible innovation that enhances resilience, enables business growth and contributes to broader development goals. Our work spans diagnostics, regulatory support, climate-risk management, and tailored resilience solutions for MSMEs.

Sustainability

We work to improve climate resilience and adaptation in Africa by supporting risk management, insurance innovation and policy development that strengthens communities abilities to better manage and reduce the impact of disasters and climate shocks.

Our services

Cenfri offers a range of services to support our clients and partners in delivering impact

Research & evidence-building

Regulatory guidance & policy support

Technical assistance & skills building

Data services

Strategy & innovation support

Programmes and initiatives

Our impact at a glance

In the past 15+ years, Cenfri has supported financial sector stakeholders across more than 40 countries balance financial sector innovation, inclusion, integrity, consumer protection and sustainability

Our impact at a glance

22 Young data scientists have had an opportunity to hone their data skills via data science fellowships as part of the Rwanda Economy Digitalisation Programme

Our impact at a glance

We’re proud to have contributed to the East African Community’s Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan, a five-year roadmap to harmonise, modernise and integrate payment systems across the region

Our impact at a glance

We’ve assisted 36 remittance service providers across Africa understand how they can reduce barriers to remittances for low-income households, directly removing remittance barriers for at least 358 305 customers

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Evidence-driven impact

Data-for-decisions work in Rwanda

Research. Collaboration. Transformation.

Latest insights

Our partners

Our expertise

Our services

Research & evidence-building

Regulatory guidance & policy support

Technical assistance & skills building

Data services

Strategy & innovation support

Programmes and initiatives

Our impact at a glance

Our impact at a glance

Our impact at a glance

Our impact at a glance

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