29th Edition Connected Banking Summit – Ethiopia 2026 Returns to Addis Ababa to Accelerate Digital Banking Modernization in Emerging Markets

The International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA) has officially announced the 29th Edition Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026, scheduled to take place on August 12, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This event marks a significant milestone as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations for the Connected Banking Summit series, which has now completed over 25 successful editions. The summit aims to bring together top banking C-suite executives, regulators, innovators, and fintech disruptors from Africa, the GCC, and other emerging markets to shape the future of finance. Ethiopia is currently entering a pivotal stage in its digital financial transformation, positioning the nation for substantial expansion. Net Interest Income is projected to grow from US$4.55 billion in 2024 to US$5.56 billion by 2028, supported by an annual growth rate of 5.14%. This momentum is driven by rising digital adoption, increasing mobile penetration, and government-led modernization initiatives. The summit will explore key technological forces redefining the local landscape, including mobile banking, electronic payments, AI-driven customer service, and cybersecurity advancements. Key focus areas for the 2026 edition include pioneering digital transformation through mobile banking for financial inclusion, building resilient digital banking infrastructure, and examining the progress of Ethiopia’s National Digital Payments Strategy (2021–2024). The agenda also covers open banking as a catalyst for innovation, cyber resilience, and bank-fintech collaboration models. Attendees will have access to keynote addresses from regional leaders, expert-led panel discussions, and live showcases of next-generation solutions. As one of the most influential gatherings for leaders shaping the continent’s digital financial systems, the summit has previously hosted over 750 curated delegates and 80 visionary speakers. The event offers exclusive networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful partnerships within the BFSI ecosystem. Delegate passes, sponsorship opportunities, and exhibition slots remain limited for this high-value, boardroom-level environment. The announcement of the 29th Connected Banking Summit in Addis Ababa underscores the growing strategic importance of Ethiopia within the African financial technology sector. By aligning the event with the country's projected economic growth and digital payment strategies, the summit provides a critical platform for policy evolution and market direction. While the focus on AI and blockchain indicates strong interest in modernization, the actual impact will depend on the successful implementation of the National Digital Payments Strategy. Continued collaboration between regulators and private sector innovators remains essential to overcome existing barriers to digital adoption.