Nairobi will host the 26th Connected Banking Summit on Wednesday, March 11, bringing together banks, fintech startups, regulators, and technology companies to accelerate the transformation of East Africa’s financial services sector.
The summit will focus on key topics shaping the region’s banking and digital finance ecosystem, including payment interoperability, fraud prevention, artificial intelligence, digital identity, and cross-border payments. Delegates will discuss emerging trends, regulatory challenges, and innovative solutions aimed at expanding financial inclusion and strengthening the resilience of financial services.
In addition to panel discussions and workshops, the event will feature an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding initiatives across the industry, highlighting efforts to advance innovation, customer experience, and security in banking and financial technology.
Organizers said the summit provides a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration between traditional banks, fintech companies, and technology providers, fostering partnerships that can drive growth and efficiency in East Africa’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.
The Connected Banking Summit is part of an ongoing effort to position the region as a hub for digital finance innovation, supporting seamless, secure, and inclusive financial services for businesses and consumers alike.
Nairobi will host the 26th Connected Banking Summit on Wednesday, March 11, bringing together banks, fintech startups, regulators, and technology companies to accelerate the transformation of East Africa’s financial services sector.
The summit will focus on key topics shaping the region’s banking and digital finance ecosystem, including payment interoperability, fraud prevention, artificial intelligence, digital identity, and cross-border payments. Delegates will discuss emerging trends, regulatory challenges, and innovative solutions aimed at expanding financial inclusion and strengthening the resilience of financial services.
In addition to panel discussions and workshops, the event will feature an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding initiatives across the industry, highlighting efforts to advance innovation, customer experience, and security in banking and financial technology.
Organizers said the summit provides a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration between traditional banks, fintech companies, and technology providers, fostering partnerships that can drive growth and efficiency in East Africa’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.
The Connected Banking Summit is part of an ongoing effort to position the region as a hub for digital finance innovation, supporting seamless, secure, and inclusive financial services for businesses and consumers alike.
Background
Background: Digital Banking and Financial Innovation in East Africa
East Africa has emerged as a leading hub for digital finance in Africa, driven by widespread mobile money adoption, fintech innovation, and supportive regulatory frameworks. Countries like Nairobi”], Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have seen rapid growth in mobile payments, digital lending, and e-wallet services, transforming how businesses and consumers conduct financial transactions.
Mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa in Kenya have enabled millions of unbanked and underbanked individuals to access financial services, including money transfers, savings, insurance, and credit. The proliferation of fintech startups has further expanded the ecosystem, offering innovative solutions for payments, fraud detection, digital identity verification, and cross-border transactions.
Regulatory authorities in the region have increasingly focused on fostering interoperability, financial inclusion, and secure digital ecosystems. Central banks and financial regulators work closely with technology providers to create frameworks that protect consumers while promoting innovation, including standards for data privacy, anti-fraud measures, and risk management.
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Events like the Connected Banking Summit play a pivotal role in driving collaboration across the financial sector. By bringing together traditional banks, fintech innovators, technology firms, and regulators, the summit facilitates knowledge exchange, showcases best practices, and encourages public-private partnerships that enhance efficiency, inclusivity, and resilience in the region’s financial services.
With East Africa’s digital finance ecosystem expanding rapidly, discussions at such summits are critical for addressing challenges such as cybersecurity, cross-border payments, and adoption of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain. These efforts aim to strengthen the region’s position as a leader in innovative, secure, and inclusive financial services in Africa.
