26th Connected Banking Summit – East Africa 2026 Concludes Successfully in Nairobi, Driving the Next Phase of Digital Finance Innovation

The 26th Edition Connected Banking Summit – East Africa | Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 successfully concluded at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, bringing together the region’s most influential leaders shaping the future of banking, fintech, and digital finance.

Organized by the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), the summit convened a distinguished gathering of banking executives, fintech innovators, regulators, cybersecurity experts, and technology leaders from across East Africa. The summit served as a high-impact platform for collaboration, thought leadership, and innovation driving the transformation of the region’s financial ecosystem.

Held under the theme:

“Driving Digital Banking Evolution and Financial Technology Integration Across East Africa,”

the summit explored how financial institutions are accelerating digital transformation through AI-powered banking, advanced cybersecurity frameworks, embedded finance, open banking ecosystems, and scalable financial inclusion strategies.

Industry leaders shared insights on how financial institutions can navigate regulatory complexity while delivering secure, seamless, and customer-centric digital banking experiences in an increasingly connected financial landscape.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

She: Strengthening Her Equality

In recognition of International Women’s Day, the summit proudly hosted a special segment titled “She: Strengthening Her Equality.”

This dedicated segment celebrated the remarkable contributions of women leaders across the banking, fintech, and financial services sectors, highlighting their growing influence in shaping innovation, leadership, and transformation within the industry.

The initiative underscored the importance of inclusive leadership, equal opportunities, and empowering women in technology and finance, reinforcing the summit’s commitment to promoting diversity and strengthening gender equality within the global financial ecosystem.

Distinguished Guest of Honour

The summit was honoured by the presence of:

Timothy Were

Deputy ICT Director
Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs

Industry Leaders Driving the Conversation

The summit featured an exceptional line-up of influential speakers who shared strategic insights on banking innovation, risk management, financial inclusion, and emerging technologies:

• John Oganda – Head of Compliance, UBA Kenya
• Rex Mafiana – Chief Executive Officer, FPG Technologies & Solutions Limited
• Duncan Omani – Chief Information Security Officer, Access Bank Kenya
• Aijaz Shalla – Chief Operating Officer, SBM Bank Kenya
• Josiah Waweru – Enterprise Sales Manager – Eastern & Southern Africa, Azentio
• Francis Mugera – Regional Sales Manager – East Africa, FPG Technologies & Solutions Ltd

• Melina Tawk – Vice President – Product Management, Islamic Core Banking, Azentio
• Akofa Dakwa – Deputy Managing Director, Bank of Africa Kenya Ltd
• Olu Meyanbe – Regional Head – Strategic Business Analytics, Africa & Middle East, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
• Andrew Mutha – Managing Director – Safaricom Money Transfer Services Limited, Safaricom
• Hartnell Ndungi – Chief Data Officer, Absa Bank Kenya
• Sherif Salama – Chief Risk Officer, Commercial International Bank (CIB) Kenya Limited
• Amon Ngechu – Chief Technology Officer, NCBA Bank Kenya
• Wilson Kamau – Board Member, AAMECC & Director / Lead Trainer & Consultant, Charwilton Company Limited
• Julia Shisia – Principal Officer & Executive Director – Absa Bancassurance, Absa Bank Kenya
• Elizabeth Wasunna – Director, Strategic Partnerships, Absa Bank Kenya PLC
• Reema Makwana – Head of Treasury, Majid Al Futtaim – Carrefour Kenya
• Sarah Abonyo – Head, Public Sector, EMDOS & Institutional Banking, UBA Kenya
• Lyapa Mpempulwa – Chief Executive Officer, Money Acumen Advisory & Securities

Sponsors & Strategic Partners

The summit was made possible through the support of leading industry partners committed to driving financial innovation.

Platinum Sponsor
• Azentio

Lead Sponsor
• FPG Technologies & Solutions Ltd

Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 – Honouring Industry Leaders

The summit concluded with the prestigious Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026, recognising institutions and leaders who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in banking innovation, technology adoption, and financial leadership.

Award Winners

• Excellence in Islamic Banking – Gulf African Bank
• Excellence in Corporate Banking – Stanbic Bank Kenya
• Bank of the Year – Equity Bank Kenya
• Excellence in Retail Banking – Diamond Trust Bank Kenya
• Excellence in SME Banking – Co-operative Bank of Kenya
• Excellence in Investment Banking – Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
• Excellence in Transaction Banking – Access Bank Kenya
• Excellence in Trade Finance – Ecobank Kenya
• Excellence in Asset Finance – NCBA Bank Kenya
• Excellence in Financial Inclusion – Family Bank
• Excellence in Customer Experience – I&M Bank Kenya
• CISO of the Year – Thelma Kganakga
• CDO of the Year – Hartnell Ndungi
• Best Technology Solutions Provider of the Year – Azentio
• CEO of the Year – James Mwangi
• Excellence in Commercial Banking – UBA Bank Kenya
• Outstanding Leadership in Banking – Mary Mulili
• Excellence in E-Banking – KCB Bank Kenya
• Excellence in Banking Services – Absa Bank Kenya

Looking Ahead – Connected Banking Summit 2026 Global Series

Following the successful 26th East Africa Edition in Nairobi, the Connected Banking Summit 2026 Global Series continues its journey across major financial hubs throughout the year:

• 27th Edition – Cairo, Egypt | April 2026
• 28th Edition – Johannesburg, South Africa | July 2026
• 29th Edition – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | August 2026
• 30th Edition – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | September 2026
• 31st Edition – Istanbul, Turkey | October 2026
• 32nd Edition – Muscat, Oman | November 2026

8 Countries. One Vision. A Year of Impact.

The Connected Banking Summit Series continues to provide a global platform for industry leaders to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of financial services across emerging and developed markets.

About the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA)

The International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA) is a global leader in organizing high-level business summits, conferences, and strategic forums that bring together government leaders, industry pioneers, technology innovators, and decision-makers across multiple sectors.

Through its flagship summit series, ICSA facilitates knowledge exchange, business collaboration, and innovation-driven dialogue, helping organizations navigate emerging opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving global economy.

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