The Connected Banking Summit Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 (East Africa edition) is a premier gathering for the region’s financial services ecosystem. The event brings together senior leaders from banks, fintech companies, regulators, telecommunications providers, and technology innovators to explore how East Africa can accelerate digital banking transformation and strengthen financial technology integration.
As East Africa continues to lead global innovation in mobile money and digital payments, the summit serves as a strategic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. Industry leaders will examine how emerging technologies, regulatory frameworks, and strategic partnerships can drive scalable growth, enhance financial inclusion, and build resilient digital financial systems across the region.
Taking place in Nairobi, Kenya on 11 March 2026, the summit provides a unique platform to exchange insights, showcase innovative solutions, and foster partnerships that will shape the future of banking and financial services in East Africa.
What to expect
The agenda is designed for leaders shaping the next generation of finance in East Africa and includes:
High impact keynote presentations from banking executives, fintech founders, regulators, and technology experts addressing the future of digital banking, open finance, AI driven decision intelligence, and payments innovation.
Strategic panel discussions exploring topics such as financial inclusion, cross border and real time payments, cybersecurity, digital identity, and regulatory evolution.
The Innovation & Excellence Awards ceremony recognizing organizations and leaders delivering measurable impact in digital banking and fintech innovation across the region.
Curated networking opportunities with C suite executives, regulators, fintech entrepreneurs, investors, and global technology providers.
Why attend
The Connected Banking Summit East Africa is where strategic vision meets practical execution. Delegates will:
Engage directly with senior decision makers shaping East Africa’s financial ecosystem.
Gain insights into real world deployments of AI, open banking frameworks, cloud adoption, and payment modernization strategies.
Stay ahead of regulatory developments and emerging risks affecting financial institutions across the region.
Build meaningful partnerships across banking, fintech, telecommunications, and technology ecosystems.
Strategic focus areas
East Africa remains a global benchmark for mobile financial innovation and digital payments adoption. The summit will focus on three core pillars shaping the region’s financial future:
Digital banking evolution. Transforming traditional banking models through advanced technologies and data driven insights.
Financial technology integration. Strengthening collaboration between banks, fintechs, and technology providers to create scalable digital ecosystems.
Financial inclusion and trust. Expanding access to financial services while maintaining security, compliance, and consumer trust.
Who should attend
The summit attracts senior decision makers and influencers from:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Fintech and payments companies
- Regulators and policymakers
- Technology vendors and advisory partners
- Investors and innovation leaders
Event Details
Event: 26th Connected Banking Summit Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 (East Africa edition)
Theme: Driving digital banking evolution and financial technology integration across East Africa
Dates: 11 March 2026
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya
Format: Keynotes | Strategic panels | Awards ceremony | Networking | Thought leadership sessions
Connect with leading voices in banking innovation, explore the trends shaping digital finance, and position your organization at the center of East Africa’s rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.