Innovation & Excellence awards - 2025
Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
"Innovating Financial Services for a Digitally Inclusive Ethiopia"
13th August 2025
- VenueAddis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Date 13th August, 2025
23rd Edition
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🎉 2025 Edition Successfully Concluded – Stay Tuned for the 2026 Edition! 🚀
A Premier Banking Summit
Connected Banking Ethiopia
Ethiopia is all set to mark a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming a digitally enabled economy. With Ethiopia's Net Interest Income in the Banking market projected to reach US$4.55 billion in 2024 and an anticipated growth to US$5.56 billion by 2028, the banking sector is poised for substantial expansion. This growth is underpinned by a robust annual growth rate of 5.14% from 2024 to 2028, signalling a strong and upward trajectory for the industry.
Connected Banking - Ethiopia will delve into the significant sources of change including mobile banking, AI and chatbots, payment security, online banking accessibility, and the impact of blockchain and digital currencies. These technologies are not just reshaping customer expectations but are also setting new standards for operational efficiency and service delivery in the banking sector.
Furthermore, the summit will explore the key insights anticipated to redefine banking by 2025, such as enhancements in customer experience, the inevitable flight to digital channels, and the intensifying competition from fintech firms. With a specific focus on Ethiopia, discussions will include the adoption of electronic banking, the current state of digital finance, the rising demand for digital banking, and the ambitious goals set forth by the National Digital Payments Strategy (NDPS) 2021-2024.
23rd
Edition
of the Connected Banking Series
13th
August
Addis Ababa
The Venue
Ethiopian Skylight Hotel
We are proud to announce that our summit will take place at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Africa’s largest and most prestigious hotel. Situated just a five-minute walk from Bole International Airport, this extraordinary venue offers unparalleled facilities that can accommodate up to 5,000 guests, making it the ideal location for our high-profile gathering. The hotel is renowned for its unique combination of luxury and functionality, featuring 19 diverse dining options that showcase international cuisine and state-of-the-art conference rooms equipped with the latest technology. With its commanding presence and exceptional service, the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel sets the stage for a truly impactful and unforgettable event.What in Store for you at Connected Banking?
Connected Banking is the premier event for industry professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of finance. This year's conference is focused on exploring the latest trends, strategies, and technologies driving the banking industry forward. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, gain practical insights, and network with peers to exchange ideas and best practices.
From regulatory changes to digital transformation, the Banking Conference will provide the knowledge, tools, and inspiration needed to navigate today's complex financial landscape with confidence.
Engage with new audiences
By partnering with us we can help you engage with your target audiences, such as decision makers or influencers. As a sponsor/partner you will benefit from our full online and offline marketing infrastructure and expertise.
Exclusive Branding
Evaluating to sponsor, co-brand or become an official partner?, we can add value to your brand. Through channels including online campaigns social media and a wide set of media partners, we can promote your brand nationwide and internationally.
Meet Experts and Influencers
Our account managers are well equipped to make sure you get to interact with top C-Suite Executives. The Summit is exclusively for C-Suite Executives and decision makers and therefore will network and engage with experts that have a success story with best practices and case studies.
Key Focus
Connected Banking Ethiopia Will Focus On
01
CB2025
Focus AreaPioneering Digital Transformation in Ethiopia
02
CB2025
Focus AreaMobile Banking for Financial Inclusion
03
CB2025
Focus AreaAI and Chatbots in Customer Service
04
CB2025
Focus AreaBuilding Resilient Digital Banking Infrastructure
05
CB2025
Focus AreaDigital Payments Revolution
06
CB2025
Focus AreaOpen Banking as a Catalyst for Innovation
07
CB2025
Focus AreaCyber Resilience Strategies
08
CB2025
Focus AreaOvercoming Barriers to Digital Banking Adoption
09
CB2025
Focus AreaCollaboration between Banks and Fintech Startups
10
CB2025
Focus AreaFinancial Innovation through Banking
For more updates on the agenda and speaking slots, register now.
Speakers
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Dr. Yeshurun Alemayehu Adde (Kibret)
Former State Minister for ICT & Digital Economy, Ethiopia
Brutawit Dawit Abdi
CEO, Wegagen Capital Investment Bank
Dr. Andualem Hailu
Deputy CEO Strategy & Technology, Hibret Bank S.C.jpeg)
Abdella Adem
Vice President, Banking Business, Zamzam Bank
Abeneazer Wondwosen Lakew
Chief Portfolio Officer, EthSwitch.jpg)
Temesgen Busha
Chief Transformation Officer, Awash Bank
Muluken Demessie
Chief Banking Operations Officer, NIB International Bank
Amere Assefa
Chief Officer, Information Technology Office, Addis Bank
Hussen Amde
Chief, Digital Banking Operations Officer, Wegagen Bank
Moses Munguti
Lead Technical Expert, East Africa, Kaspersky.png)
Shiferaw Lencho
Chief, Strategy and Operational Excellence Officer, Ethiopian Insurance Corporation
Makena Muriuki
Regional Account Director, Africa, Backbase
Ifa Abdisa
Executive Director, Digital Banking, Gadda Bank
Eskinder Mesfin Cherinet
CEO, IT Governance and Service Management Consultant
Fikru Tsegaye Wordofa
Vice President, Society of Insurance Professionals.jpg)
Endalish Woldemichael
Vice President Strategy & Innovation, Lion International Bank
Temesgen Taye
Director Cyber Security, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Biruk Worku
Director- IT Security, Abay Bank S.C
Seyoum Damtew Metaferia
VP Information Security, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Yonas Lemma
Director IT RISK & Cyber Security, Hibret Bank
Mekdes Bekele
Director, Digital Banking, Global Bank Ethiopia
Mengistu Gemechu Worku
Director Corporate Strategy Management and Transformation, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Haile Mekonnen
Manager, Sustainability/ESG Division, Wegagan BankPartners & Sponsors
Connected Banking
Lead Sponsor
Kaspersky
Connected Banking
Associate Sponsor
Backbase
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Series Speakers
Dr. Yeshurun Alemayehu Adde (Kibret)
Former State Minister for ICT & Digital Economy, Ethiopia
Tilahun Esmael Kassahun
Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX)
Clayton Hayward
CEO, EFT CorporationDr. Andualem Hailu
Deputy CEO Strategy & Technology, Hibret Bank S.C
Amare Herpie
Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Babeksingh Khalsa
Vice President Sales - Africa, MobifinEndalish Woldemichael
Vice President Strategy & Innovation, Lion International BankTemesgen Busha
Chief Transformation Officer, Awash Bank
Fikru Woldetensie Aschalew
Chief Strategy Officer, Ahadu BankAbdella Adem
Vice President, Banking Business, Zamzam Bank
Amir Yazdanpanah
Chief Business Development Officer, Mobifin
Martin Kimani
Associate Director, KPMG East AfricaMengistu Gemechu Worku
Director Corporate Strategy Management and Transformation, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Endashaw Tesfaye
Digital Financial Services Expert, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
Saminas Seyfu
Director, Stakeholders Engagement, National ID ProgramMoses Munguti
Lead Technical Expert, East Africa, Kaspersky
Roy Kimathi
Technical Consultant, OpenText (Africa, Middle East & GCC)
Nohaila Ibn Elfarouk
Regional Sales Executive, Backbase
Belay Gezahegn
Director, Strategy and Innovation Dept, Enat Bank
Moses Kipchirchir
Associate Director, Technology Risk, KPMG East AfricaTemesgen Taye
Director Cyber Security, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Mengistu Endalamaw
Director, Digital Banking, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Naresh Bhanotra
Head (Solution Consulting), Middle East & Africa, Infosys FinacleMekdes Bekele
Director, Digital Banking, Global Bank EthiopiaSeyoum Damtew Metaferia
VP Information Security, Commercial Bank of EthiopiaYonas Lemma
Director IT RISK & Cyber Security, Hibret BankAbeneazer Wondwosen Lakew
Chief Portfolio Officer, EthSwitch S.C.
Media Partners
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Series Media Partners
Connected Banking Summit
Unlock the future of banking at the Connected Banking Summit Series! Connect with visionary leaders, industry experts, and innovators shaping the banking and financial landscape. This is your gateway to cutting-edge technology, groundbreaking insights, and transformative solutions designed to propel your business forward. Seize unparalleled opportunities to network with key decision-makers, discover industry-leading innovations, and gain actionable strategies to stay ahead of the competition. Whether you’re looking to grow your network, explore new solutions, or lead the charge in financial innovation, the Connected Banking Summit is where it all begins. This is your opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in the ever-evolving world of banking. Don’t miss out—take the next step toward innovation and success. 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
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