- VenueNairobi, Kenya
- Date 9th April, 2025
Overview
Connected Banking
Connected Banking
East Africa
The BFSI sector in East Africa is at a pivotal juncture, where digital transformation and financial inclusion have become essential goals for economic growth and resilience. However, the region faces substantial challenges—such as limited digital infrastructure, cybersecurity risks, and gaps in digital skills—that necessitate a strategic approach to banking innovation. Connected Banking East Africa has played an instrumental role over the years in advancing the digitalization agenda and creating a collaborative platform for addressing these challenges.
Key statistics that underscore the urgency and impact of such a summit include:
- High Priority for Digital Transformation: 76% of banks in Africa consider digital transformation among their top three priorities. As the region's banks seek to adopt technologies such as cloud computing, Connected Banking East Africa provides a crucial space for BFSI leaders to explore scalable, resilient solutions, addressing both immediate needs and long-term strategic goals (source: African Economic Outlook, AfDB).
- Rise of Mobile Financial Services: With mobile banking adoption at 71% in Kenya compared to 38% for traditional banking services, East Africa is a leader in mobile-led financial inclusion. Connected Banking East Africa has historically been a pivotal platform for fostering the adoption of mobile technologies and exploring partnerships with fintechs that can extend services to underserved areas (source: African Development Bank).
- Growth in Digital Investment Platforms: Platforms like FarmDrive and Abacus illustrate the region's progress in enabling broader access to finance and investment. However, for these platforms to thrive, supportive policy frameworks and security protocols are essential—topics that are regularly discussed at Connected Banking East Africa to drive actionable solutions for sustainable growth (source: African Economic Outlook).
- Digital Skills Gap and Internet Accessibility: Despite a fourfold increase in digital skills for participants in World Bank programs, only 24% of the population in Eastern and Southern Africa has internet access, and just 64% enjoys high-speed connectivity. Addressing these disparities is critical for inclusive growth, and Connected Banking East Africa serves as a vital forum where leaders address infrastructure needs and skills gaps, identifying solutions to bridge the divide (source: World Bank, African Business Insights).
- Challenges to Digitalization: Internet coverage remains limited, data costs high, and cybersecurity threats mounting. These factors emphasize the need for a focused event like Connected Banking East Africa, where regional stakeholders can discuss strategic technology investments, compliance, and risk management—key to ensuring a secure digital transformation journey.
9th
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20th
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Sessions
Connected Banking East Africa aims to empower stakeholders by bringing together BFSI leaders, technology providers, and policy-makers to tackle these industry-specific challenges head-on. By offering insights into digitalization strategies and fostering solution-driven partnerships, the summit has become indispensable to the region’s BFSI sector in progressing toward a fully digital, financially inclusive future. The Connected Banking Series of conferences, events, summits, round tables and congress deliberates and focuses on developing solutions to, critical issues faced by banks and FIs in the African region. This Series is a not to be missed opportunity for experts, business people, and practitioners from the BFSI fraternity to discuss practical and cost-effective solutions to developing digital banking solutions. The Connected Banking Series is an ideal platform for networking with industry players at the event, senior managers, decision-makers, and practitioners operating in the industry and making the most of banking technologies in various Connected Banking conferences.
The conference will offer:
- In-depth Sessions: Expert-led sessions will cover cloud adoption, mobile financial services, cybersecurity, digital skills, and regional economic opportunities.
- Panel Discussions and Keynotes: Banking technology leaders will discuss current trends, regulatory implications, and strategic priorities, focusing on advancing financial inclusion and enhancing operational efficiencies.
- Networking Opportunities: Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers and explore partnerships that foster digital and strategic growth in East Africa’s BFSI sector.
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What in Store for you at Connected Banking?
Connected Banking East Africa aims to deliver tangible, impactful outcomes.
Strategic Insights and Actionable Roadmaps:
CIOs and CISOs will gain actionable strategies for addressing digital transformation challenges and leveraging the latest technologies in the sector.
Enhanced Financial Inclusion Strategies:
Sessions will emphasize mobile banking, digital skills, and infrastructure improvements to bring financial services closer to the underserved.
Innovative Solutions to Key Challenges:
By facilitating interactions between banking leaders and technology providers, the event will highlight solutions in areas such as cybersecurity, data management, and cloud infrastructure, which are critical for sustainable growth.
Partnership Opportunities:
The event will foster partnerships between financial institutions and technology providers, creating pathways for collaboration that address regional infrastructure limitations and cybersecurity needs.
Why Connected Banking East Africa?
The BFSI sector in East Africa faces a unique mix of growth opportunities and challenges
Market Potential:
With a rapidly expanding digital financial services ecosystem, East Africa is positioned as a frontrunner in mobile banking and financial inclusion.
Urgency of Digital Transformation:
Digital transformation is no longer optional but essential to stay competitive. With cybersecurity concerns and limited digital infrastructure, the need for resilient, scalable solutions is higher than ever.
Inclusion and Accessibility:
Financial inclusion remains a critical goal for East African economies, with mobile banking showing enormous potential to bring banking services to underserved populations.
Strategic Partnerships:
The BFSI sector requires partnerships with technology providers to address regional challenges. By connecting decision-makers with solution providers, the event becomes a pivotal platform for actionable collaborations.
Series Speakers
Timothy Were
Deputy Director, Minsitry of ICT & Digital Economy
Cyrus Kamau
Deputy Director and Chief Analyst, Infrastructure and ICT, National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI)
Stanley Kamanguya
CEO, ICT Authority
Mary Mulili
Executive Director, UBA Bank Kenya
Morris Maina
CEO, TransUnion Kenya
Samuel Addae Minta
Country Managing Director Access Bank (Kenya) PLC, Regional Managing Director East Africa Access Bank
Makabelo Malumane
Managing Director, Head of Transaction Banking, Kenya and East Africa, Standard Chartered Bank
Sumayya Hassan
CEO, Takaful Insurance of Africa
Joshua Odongo
CEO, Tusenti Limited
David Mukaru
Chief Executive Officer, Caritas Microfinance Bank
Kuldip Paliwal
Managing Director & CEO, First Alliance Bank Zambia
Michael Michie
CTO, Solv Kenya
Raphael Lekolool
Managing Director, Post Bank Kenya
Samuel Njuguna
Co-Founder, Chumz
Hartnell Ndungi
Chief Data Officer, ABSA Africa
Desmond Takawira
Chief Technology Officer, Steward Bank
Julius Orayo
Group Chief Information Officer, Jubilee Insurance
Amrit Gayan
Chief Operating Officer, SBM Bank Kenya
Chresta C. Kaluba
Chief Risk Officer, Atlas Mara Zambia
Obinna Ukwaini
Chief Digital Officer, Bank of Kigali
John Frank Githiaka
Founder & COO, Benkiko DAO
Olanma John-Agbaje
Country Operations Officer, Access Bank Rwanda Plc
George Njuguna
CIO, Safaricom PLC
Martin M. Omido
Head of ICT (CIO), Consolidated Bank Of Kenya Limited
Sahil Arya
CIO & Head of Banking Technology and Digital Transformation, Gulf African Bank
Faheem Ali
Chief Technology Officer, Elite Digital Solutions
Henry Mwiki
Chief Information Security Officer, Diamond Trust Bank
Thomas Gachie
CEO, TEK SSS Financial & Management Consultants
Carol Koech
Strategy Director, Sustainability & Thought Leadership – Schneider Electric International Operations
Moses Ndirangu
Director – Corporate Banking, Equity Bank (Kenya) LtdGeorge Njuguna
CIO, Safaricom PLC
Sandeep Mohapatra
Director - Digital Transformation & Technology, Absa Group Mauritius
Shaun Edmeston
Director of Customer Experience, Absa Group Mauritius
Angela Mwirigi
Director, Digital Financial Services, KCB Bank Group
Michael Mbuthia
East Africa Regional Director, Africa Nenda
Phyllis Migwi
Country Manager, Microsoft East Africa
Olu Meyanbe
Regional Head, Strategic Business Analytics, Africa & Middle East, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
Karanja Gichiri
Vice President Banking, Capital Markets and Advisory, Citi
Moses Munguti
Lead Technical Expert East Africa, Kaspersky
Philip Galego
General Manager - Business Intelligence and Analytics, Equity Bank
Matilda Kobia
Group Head, eFX Solutions and E-commerce Sales, Treasury, Equity Bank Ltd
Charles Kinyanjui
Head New Ventures & Fintech Development, National Bank Of Kenya
Kenneth Ringera
Account Lead, Microsoft East Africa
Janet Dali
Head of Partnerships, Diamond Trust Bank
Winnie Kaaka
Head of Products & Channels, Access Bank PLC
Monicah Mugure Ndung'u
Head, Payments, RPC & Remittances, Ecobank Kenya Limited
John Mchaki
Head of Technology Services, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated
Wole Odeleye
Technology Lead, Financial Services Industry
Vishal Nema
Lead (Product Marketing), Freshworks
Asha Kamenge
Head of Product Innovation, Gulf African Bank
Winston Vimalraj
Territory Sales Lead (Africa), Freshworks
John Njoroge
Digital Banking Lead, Guardian Bank
Anna Njoki Amasinde
Head of Business Banking, HFC Kenya
Winnifred Syowai Onyancha
Corporate Relationship Public Sector & Transaction Banking Expert, KCB Bank Group
Nyambura Ndung’u
Head, Customer Experience, SBM Bank (Kenya) Ltd.
Angela Mandi
Executive, Head East Africa Corporate and Investment Banking Credit, Stanbic Bank
Victor Odada
Head, Digital Banking & E-commerce, Stanbic
Konstantin Tsanis
FinTech Expert
Isaiah Opiyo
Product Manager, TransUnion Kenya
Dr. Henry Clarke Kisembo, PhD
Global Chief Managing Partner, Development Associates Link International (DALI)
Adons Aryong
AG. Head Data Analytics, Financial Modelling Analyst, DFCU Bank
Everline Wangu Kamau
Territory Manager at VMware by Broadcom
Bamidele Olalekan Oseni
Managing Partner, Caleb Consulting Uganda Ltd
Key Focus
Connected Banking East Africa Will Focus On
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Focus AreaPioneering Digital Transformation in Ethiopia
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Focus AreaMobile Banking for Financial Inclusion
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Focus AreaAI and Chatbots in Customer Service
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Focus AreaBuilding Resilient Digital Banking Infrastructure
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Focus AreaDigital Payments Revolution
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Focus AreaOpen Banking as a Catalyst for Innovation
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Focus AreaCyber Resilience Strategies
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Focus AreaOvercoming Barriers to Digital Banking Adoption
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Focus AreaCollaboration between Banks and Fintech Startups
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Focus AreaFinancial Innovation through Banking
For more updates on the agenda and speaking slots, register now.
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Series Sponsors
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Series Media Partners
Connected Banking 2025
Come experience the future of banking with us at the Connected Banking Summit! Meet business leaders, network with colleagues, and learn about the most recent developments in banking & finance technology. Discover new solutions to enhance your business and stay ahead of the competition. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and thrive in the world of banking. Register Today! Register
Testimonials
Why Our Clients Love Us
I was really impressed with the quality of the speakers and particularly the participating companies. Most extremely interesting and innovative across a range of industries.
Seyi Kumapayi
CFO, Access Bank PLCI definitely think I will try to get here next year as well, hopefully bring my colleagues with me.
Ronald Martey
CISO, GCB BankI really enjoyed all the connections with the different agencies and the other professional in the BFSI.
Edwin Akrofi
Head IT, First Atlantic BankYour Team was timely, efficient friendly and extremely helpful thank you for everything.
Kwame Oppong
Head Of Fintech & Innovation, Bank Of GhanaGreat Event with Keynotes and a lot of discussions that inspired a lot.
Sidy Kounta
Managing Director, Atlantique Microfinance BankAs it was my first virtual best summit, kudos to all involved in putting it together and making it happen.
Aly Mansy
EconomistA very warm welcome and interesting speakers we were pleased to be among such a dynamic crowd.
Molefe Petros
Head Of IT, BancabcThis is the first time we are attending one of thr summits here, the Digital Banking Summit. We have been really impessed by the team at ICSA, the summit they have put together has been absolutely firt class. We wont heistate to return next year.
Donal Greene
Regional Manager (EMEA), InnovatricsDBS has been very rewarding, presentations are engaging and interesting, amazing networking opportunities. Cant wait for the Nigerain eidtion of DBS2019.
Taiwo Joda
MD & CEO, Accion Microfinance BankIt has been a wonderful interaction.It is a beautiful engagement and value adding. The insights of the changes taking place in the digital space of the banking sector have been very informative.
Ebehijie Momoh
Head of Retail Banking, Standard Chartered BankI loved the networking. I have learned some fabulous ideoas from the fintechs that i met which we will be capitalising soon. Came here expecting to learn a lot which i definitely have,fantastic summit and congratulations. We hope to see you next year.
Victor Yaw Asante
MD & CEO, FBN BankICSA has done an amazing job, thank you for bringing this initiative to Ghana. We have gathered of insights that is going to helpus move the digital trnasformation proces in Africa. I think this is a really amazing initiative. Kudos to the organizers.
Omo Osemwegie
Head of IT Program Delivery, Access Bank
