Building Digital Financial Infrastructure and Accelerating Core Banking Modernization in East Africa
Driving Ethiopia's Financial Sector Transformation & Digital Banking Innovation
- VenueAddis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Date 12th August, 2026
Banking Summit Registration
29th Connected Banking Summit
Innovation & Excellence Awards – Ethiopia 2026
A Premier Banking Summit & Financial Services Conference
Connected Banking Summit Addis Ababa
Ethiopia Banking and Financial Transformation: Ethiopia is entering a new era of financial-sector modernization driven by instant payments innovation, National ID digital identity enablement, eKYC, banking digital transformation, financial inclusion Africa strategies, and regulatory reform led by the National Bank of Ethiopia.
As one of East Africa's fastest-evolving digital financial ecosystems, Ethiopia is accelerating the deployment of real-time cross-border payments, cloud banking infrastructure, mobile wallets, digital lending, and zero trust cybersecurity models for secure banking.
The opening of Ethiopia’s financial sector to foreign investment and private capital markets, the expansion of FinTech innovations like Chapa, Yaya Wallet, and Kacha, alongside the launch of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX), creates monumental growth opportunities for financial institutions, technology providers, and C-level banking decision-makers.
The 29th Connected Banking Summit & Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 brings together key stakeholders—from Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Dashen Bank, Awash Bank, and Bank of Abyssinia to leading global sponsors like Thunes and ManageEngine—to power the next generation of intelligent banking in Africa.
29th
Edition
12th
August
29th Edition of the Premier Africa Banking Summit
Connected Banking Summit Ethiopia is a mandatory conference for C-Level Executives, Banking CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs across the BFSI sector to discover scalable technology solutions for core banking modernization, hyperautomation, and digital financial inclusion.
Summit Venue & Location
Ethiopian Skylight Hotel – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
We are proud to host the Connected Banking Summit Ethiopia 2026 at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa—Africa’s largest and most prestigious hotel venue. Located minutes from Bole International Airport, this premier setting offers capacity for 5,000 delegates, high-speed digital financial infrastructure, and state-of-the-art exhibition facilities ideal for the Banking Technology Expo and executive networking sessions.What is in Store at Connected Banking Summit Ethiopia 2026?
As Ethiopia's premier banking event, the summit connects global tech leaders with East African banking leaders. Discover AI in banking, generative AI, embedded finance, cross-border payment modernization, and regulatory technology (RegTech) strategies tailored for emerging markets.
From core banking transformation to anti-money laundering (AML) and eKYC integration, gain actionable insights and benchmark against industry leaders at the Innovation & Excellence Awards.
Engage Decision-Makers & Banking Leaders
Partner with us through customized Banking Sponsorship and Banking Exhibition packages to engage directly with C-Level executives, Banking CIOs, CTOs, and decision-makers driving banking digitization in East Africa.
Exclusive Brand & FinTech Visibility
Position your company alongside industry giants like Thunes and ManageEngine through targeted digital campaigns, social channels, media partner outreach, and Banking Innovation Awards recognition.
Boardroom-Level Networking & C-Suite Access
Participate in structured B2B meetings and discussions addressing banking innovation strategies, risk & compliance, eKYC, and financial technology growth in African banking.
Industry Focus Areas
Connected Banking Ethiopia Focus Topics
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CB2026
Focus TopicInstant Payments, QR Payments & Interoperability Infrastructure
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Focus TopicNational ID Ethiopia, eKYC & Financial Inclusion Africa
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Focus TopicCore Banking Modernization & Cloud Banking Transformation
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Focus TopicBanking Cybersecurity, Zero Trust & Fraud Prevention
05
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Focus TopicOpen Banking, Open Finance & Banking APIs
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Focus TopicAI in Banking, Hyperautomation & Predictive Data Analytics
07
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Focus TopicSME Digital Lending, Credit Scoring & Embedded Finance
08
CB2026
Focus TopicMobile Payments, Digital Wallets & FinTech Collaboration
09
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Focus TopicEthiopian Securities Exchange, Capital Markets & Investment Banking
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Focus TopicESG Banking, Sustainable Finance & Regulatory Compliance
For agenda updates or Banking Speaking Opportunities, register here.
Market Dynamics
Ethiopia Digital Financial Ecosystem Framework
- ✔ Rapid growth of mobile wallets, merchant payments, and cross-border payment integration led by innovators like Thunes, Chapa, and Yaya Wallet.
- ✔ Core banking modernization, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise IT management supported by ManageEngine.
- ✔ Implementation of eKYC, digital identity verification (National ID Ethiopia), and AML regulatory compliance across financial institutions.
- ✔ Strategic partnerships across Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Dashen Bank, Awash Bank, Bank of Abyssinia, Cooperative Bank of Oromia, and Hijra Bank.
- ✔ Zero trust architecture, threat intelligence, and cyber defense protocols for secure digital banking.
- ✔ Capital markets expansion through the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) and investment banking opportunities with Awash Capital.
Visionary Speakers – Connected Banking Summit Ethiopia
Seyoum Mengesha Tachie
Ministry of Innovation & TechnologyCEO, Digital Economy Development
Solomon Damtew Metaferia
Director, Banking and Payment Systems DirectorateNational Bank of Ethiopia
Saminas Seyfu
Director, Stakeholders Engagement (Chief Marketing and Communications Officer)National ID Ethiopia
Fikru Tsegaye Wordofa
Member, Board of DirectorsEthiopian Securities Exchange (ESX)
Yoseph Kibret
ChairmanEthiopian Digital Financial Service Providers Association (EDFSPA)
Ms. Yodit Kassa
Chief Operating OfficerEthiopian Securities Exchange (ESX)
Dr. Andualem Hailu
Founding CEOAwash Capital S.C. – Investment Bank
Tadesse Hatiya
Chief Executive Officer / PresidentSidama Bank
Seyoum Damtew Metaferia
Vice President, Information System SecurityCommercial Bank of Ethiopia
Assefa Amere
Chief Information Technology OfficerAddis Bank S.C.
Muluken Demessie
Chief Retail and SME Banking OfficerNib International Bank
Hassen Mohammed Ali
Senior Chief Retail Banking & Digitalization OfficerHijra Bank
Mekdes Bekele
Chief Resource Management OfficerGadaa Bank
Daniel Parreira
SVP Sales – AfricaThunes
Djamil Jaddoo
Territory Manager – IOI, SADC & East African CountriesMBCOM Technologies (Broadcom Representative)
Theodros Tadesse
Vice President, Digital and Branch BankingTsedey Bank S.C.
Sofia Ibrahim
AVP – International Banking OperationsTsedey Bank
Kalkidan Mandefro
Director, Digital Banking & InnovationDashen Bank S.C.
Robel Arega
Director – IT Infrastructure DepartmentDashen Bank
Gutama Ashana
Director, Information Security ManagementAwash Bank
Bekalu Mamo
Director, IT Infrastructure Management DirectorateAwash Bank
Temesgen Taye
Director of Cyber SecurityCooperative Bank of Oromia
Mengistu Gemechu Worku
Director for StrategyCooperative Bank of Oromia
Tewodros Abay
Director, Acceptance NetworkBank of Abyssinia
Yonas Lemma
Director, IT Risk & Cyber SecurityHibret Bank
Biruk Worku
Director, Information Technology SecurityAbay Bank S.C.
Ermoniem Brhanu Balcha
Digital Innovation and Partnership Division HeadBerhan Bank
 Aliyi – Director, Digital Services & Transformation – ZamZam Bank S.C..jfif)
Nejib Ahmed
Director of Capital Management & Investor RelationsRammis Bank
Khalid Ahmed
Director, Application and Database AdministrationRammis Bank
Abdiselam Mohamed
Director, Digital BankingHijra Bank
Papi Debebe Kidane
Director, Application DevelopmentAmhara Bank
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Yibeltal Argacho (PhD)
Manager – Digital Lending and Follow Up DivisionAwash Bank S.C.
Dawit Sernessa
Sr. Manager Trading OperationsEthiopian Securities Exchange (ESX)
Connected Banking Summit Ethiopia Sponsors & Partners
Gold Sponsors driving Banking Innovation
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Supporting Partners
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Banking Innovators
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Official Media & Publication Partner
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Production Partner
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Media Partners
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East Africa Banking Summit Series Impact
0Successful Editions
0Curated Delegates
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0Visionary Speakers
Series Speakers & Industry Pioneers
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Dr. Yeshurun Alemayehu Adde (Kibret)
Former State Minister for ICT & Digital Economy, Ethiopia
Tilahun Esmael Kassahun
Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX)Saminas Seyfu
Director, Stakeholders Engagement, National ID Program
Endashaw Tesfaye
Digital Financial Services Expert, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
Mengistu Endalamaw
Director, Digital Banking, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Seyoum Damtew Metaferia
VP Information Security, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Daniel Manaye Kassahun
Cybersecurity Representative, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.jpg)
Temesgen Busha
Chief Transformation Officer, Awash Bank.jpeg)
Abdella Adem
Acting Chief, Interest-Free Banking Officer, Awash Bank
Dr. Andualem Hailu
Founding CEO at Awash Capital S.C - Investment Bank
Yonas Lemma
Director IT RISK & Cyber Security, Hibret Bank
Mengistu Gemechu Worku
Director Corporate Strategy Management and Transformation, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Temesgen Taye Lamesa
Director Cyber Security, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Hussen Amde
Chief, Digital Banking Operations Officer, Wegagen Bank
Haile Mekonnen
Manager, Sustainability/ESG Division, Wegagan Bank
Brutawit Dawit Abdi
CEO, Wegagen Capital Investment Bank.jpg)
Endalish Woldemichael
Vice President Strategy & Innovation, Lion International Bank
Muluken Demessie
Chief Banking Operations Officer, NIB International Bank
Belay Gezahegn
Director, Strategy and Innovation Dept, Enat Bank
Fikru Woldetensie Aschalew
Chief Strategy Officer, Ahadu Bank
Mekdes Bekele
Director, Digital Banking, Global Bank Ethiopia
Biruk Worku
Director- IT Security, Abay Bank S.C
Amere Assefa
Chief Officer, Information Technology Office, Addis Bank
Ifa Abdisa
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Shiferaw Lencho
Chief, Strategy and Operational Excellence Officer, Ethiopian Insurance Corporation
Fikru Tsegaye Wordofa
Vice President, Society of Insurance Professionals
Moses Munguti
Lead Technical Expert, East Africa, Kaspersky
Martin Kimani
Associate Director, KPMG East Africa
Moses Kipchirchir
Associate Director, Technology Risk, KPMG East Africa
Nohaila Ibn Elfarouk
Regional Sales Executive, Backbase
Makena Muriuki
Regional Account Director, Africa, Backbase
Naresh Bhanotra
Head (Solution Consulting), Middle East & Africa, Infosys Finacle
Clayton Hayward
CEO, EFT Corporation
Amir Yazdanpanah
Chief Business Development Officer, Mobifin
Babeksingh Khalsa
Vice President Sales - Africa, Mobifin
Roy Kimathi
Technical Consultant, OpenText (Africa, Middle East & GCC)
Mohammed Thoufiq
VP Strategic Partnerships, ICSA
Mihret Teshome
Summit Presenter
Eskinder Mesfin Cherinet
CEO, IT Governance and Service Management ConsultantSeries Media Partners
Connected Banking Summit Ethiopia 2026
Unlock the future of financial services at the 29th Connected Banking Summit & Innovation & Excellence Awards in Addis Ababa. Connect with executive decision-makers shaping digital payments, core banking, cloud security, and FinTech in Africa. Secure your ticket today. Banking Event Registration
Testimonials
What Banking Leaders Say About Connected Banking
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 BankVisual Highlights – Connected Banking Summit Ethiopia
2026 Global Event Roadmap
