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

“Building Digital Financial Systems and Accelerating Banking Modernization in Emerging Markets”

12 August 2026 | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), a global leader in curating executive-level summits that drive transformation across the banking, financial services, and technology sectors, announces the 29th Edition Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026, taking place on 12 August 2026 in Addis Ababa.

With over 25 successful editions, ICSA has consistently brought together top banking C-suite executives, regulators, innovators, and fintech disruptors across Africa, the GCC, and emerging markets delivering strategic platforms that shape the future of finance.

This edition forms part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Connected Banking Summit series, marking a quarter-century of fostering collaboration, digital innovation, and sector-wide modernization. Unlike traditional conferences, the summit is designed as a high-value, boardroom-level environment, offering sponsors and delegates unmatched access to decision-makers who influence policy, innovation, and market direction.

Ethiopia at a Banking Transformation Crossroads

Ethiopia is entering a pivotal stage in its digital financial transformation. With Net Interest Income 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%, the nation is positioned for substantial expansion. This momentum is further driven by rising digital adoption, increasing mobile penetration, and government-led modernization initiatives.

The 29th Edition Connected Banking Summit will explore the key technological forces redefining Ethiopia’s banking landscape—including mobile banking, electronic payments, AI-driven customer service, digital onboarding, cybersecurity advancements, blockchain utilization, and increasing fintech competition. The summit will also examine the progress and anticipated outcomes of Ethiopia’s National Digital Payments Strategy (2021–2024).

Key Focus Areas for 2026

Pioneering Digital Transformation in Ethiopia

Mobile Banking for Financial Inclusion

AI and Chatbots in Customer Service

Building Resilient Digital Banking Infrastructure

The Digital Payments Revolution

Open Banking as a Catalyst for Innovation

Cyber Resilience and Banking Security

Overcoming Barriers to Digital Banking Adoption

Bank–Fintech Collaboration Models

Financial Innovation for the Next Decade

What to Expect at the Summit

Attendees will gain access to:

Keynote addresses from regional and international banking leaders

Insights from regulators and policymakers on the evolution of digital finance

Expert-led panel discussions on emerging technologies and sector challenges

Live showcases of next-generation solutions across AI, payments, cybersecurity, and digital platforms

Exclusive networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful partnerships and collaboration

The Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026, recognizing organizations advancing digital banking across Africa

A Premier Platform for Africa’s Financial Evolution

Connected Banking Ethiopia stands as one of the most influential gatherings for leaders shaping the continent’s digital financial systems. With a growing legacy of:

4+ successful editions

750+ curated delegates

80+ visionary speakers

40+ networking hours

…the summit continues to drive innovation, strategic partnerships, and measurable impact across the BFSI ecosystem.

Registration Now Open

Delegate passes, sponsorship opportunities, and exhibition slots are limited.

Register Now:

info@connected-banking.com

+44 20 3808 8625

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

About ICSA

The International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA) is a global organization dedicated to creating executive platforms that accelerate innovation across industries. Through its flagship Connected Banking Summit series and other strategic summits, ICSA connects senior leaders, policymakers, innovators, and technology providers—enabling collaboration that drives measurable progress across the global financial landscape.