The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) annual forum in Algeria revealed how technology is driving a new wave of sustainable and Shariah-compliant digital finance solutions.
Global policymakers and financial experts yesterday concluded the 19th IsDB Global Forum on Islamic Finance in Algiers, under the theme “Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion in Islamic Finance.
The event, held alongside the IsDB Group Annual Meetings, charted a sustainable future for Islamic finance through innovation and technology.
Opening the Forum, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, chairman of the IsDB Group, stressed the need for foundational infrastructure to enable the digitalisation of Islamic finance.
“To realise this potential, we must build the foundations: secure and reliable digital infrastructure, responsive governance frameworks, and institutions prepared to regulate with wisdom and foresight,” he said.
The Forum highlighted the promise of Islamic fintech to boost financial inclusion and support sustainable development.
Nikolai Podguzov, chairman of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) underscored the importance of ethical finance in emerging economies.
“Central Asia is on the path of economic growth and inclusivity, where digital Islamic finance will play a key role,” he noted. “We can empower rural entrepreneurs, expand trade ties, and attract ethical investments,” he said.
Among the key moments of the event were the announcement of the “Medikids Project” as the winner of the 2025 IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics and the AI hackathon in Islamic Finance, which showcased AI’s potential in transforming the US$4 trillion Islamic finance industry.
Dr. Noureddine Ouadah, Algeria’s minister of knowledge economy, lauded the AI hackathon as a symbol of innovation in Islamic finance.
A major report titled “The Future of Islamic Finance in Central Asia” was launched at the event in collaboration with EDB, along with announcements of several upcoming publications.
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