- VenueAddis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Date 12th August, 2026
Register Now
29th Connected Banking Summit
Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026
A Premier Banking Summit
Connected Banking Ethiopia
Ethiopia is entering a new era of financial-sector modernization driven by payments innovation, digital identity enablement, banking transformation, financial inclusion, and regulatory reform.
As one of Africa's fastest-evolving financial ecosystems, Ethiopia is accelerating the adoption of real-time digital payments, modern banking infrastructure, mobile money, digital onboarding, and secure customer-centric banking models.
The opening of the financial sector to new players, the expansion of fintech innovation, capital-market reforms, and increasing digital adoption are creating significant opportunities for banks, regulators, technology providers, and investors.
The 29th Connected Banking Summit - Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 brings together senior banking leaders, regulators, fintech innovators, telecom operators, technology partners, and policymakers to discuss the next phase of banking modernization and digital transformation across East Africa.
29th
Edition
12th
August
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
CB2026
Focus AreaReal-Time Payments & Interoperability
02
CB2026
Focus AreaDigital Identity, E-KYC & Financial Inclusion
03
CB2026
Focus AreaBanking-Core Modernization & Cloud Transformation
04
CB2026
Focus AreaCybersecurity, Fraud Prevention & Digital Trust
05
CB2026
Focus AreaOpen Finance, APIs & Ecosystem Collaboration
06
CB2026
Focus AreaData & AI-Driven Banking Innovation
07
CB2026
Focus AreaSME Financing & Digital Credit Expansion
08
CB2026
Focus AreaMobile Money & Fintech Partnerships
09
CB2026
Focus AreaCapital Market Digitization & Alternative Finance
10
CB2026
Focus AreaSustainable & Inclusive Financial Development
For more updates on the agenda and speaking slots, register now.
Key Market Signals
Transformational Framework
- ✔ Rapid expansion of digital payments and mobile-money adoption across Ethiopia.
- ✔ Banking-core modernization and cloud-enabled transformation initiatives gaining momentum across the banking sector.
- ✔ Digital identity, e-KYC and financial inclusion becoming critical national strategic priorities.
- ✔ Open finance, fintech collaboration and API-driven banking ecosystems emerging to redefine standard financial delivery.
- ✔ Cybersecurity, fraud prevention and digital trust becoming board-level strategic priorities across financial institutions.
- ✔ Capital-market development and alternative financing models creating new growth opportunities for the ecosystem.
Speakers
Seyoum Damtew Metaferia
Vice President, Information System Security, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Dr. Andualem Hailu
Deputy CEO, Strategy & Technology, Hibret Bank
Muluken Demessie
Chief Retail and SME Banking Officer, Nib International Bank
Temesgen Taye
Director of Cyber Security, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Mengistu Gemechu Worku
Director for Strategy, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Tewodros Abay
Director, Acceptance Network, Bank of Abyssinia
Yonas Lemma
Director, IT Risk & Cyber Security, Hibret Bank
Tadesse Hatiya
President, Sidama Bank
Amere Assefa
Chief Officer, Information Technology Office, Addis Bank S.C.
Ermoniem Brhanu Balcha
Digital Innovation and Partnership Division Head, Berhan Bank
Mekdes Bekele
Director, Digital Banking Department, Global Bank Ethiopia
Sofia Ibrahim
AVP- International Banking Operations, Tsedey Bank Aliyi – Director, Digital Services & Transformation – ZamZam Bank S.C..jfif)
Nejib (Ahmed) Aliyi
Director, Digital Services & Transformation, ZamZam Bank S.C.
Gutama Ashana
Director, Information Security Management, Awash Bank
Biruk Worku
Director, Information Technology Security, Abay Bank S.C.
Papi Debebe Kidane
Director, Application Development, Amhara Bank
Khalid Ahmed
Director, Application and Database Administration, Rammis Bank
Solomon Damtew
Director, Banking, Payments & Settlements, National Bank of Ethiopia
Saminas Seyfu
Director, Stakeholders Engagement (Chief Marketing and Communications Officer), National ID Ethiopia
Fikru Tsegaye Wordofa
Member, Board of Directors, Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX). JPG)
Yibeltal Argacho (PhD)
Manager, Digital Lending & Follow-up Division, Awash Bank S.C.Sponsors & Partners
Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
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Gold Sponsor
Supporting Partners
Supporting Partner
Banking Innovators
Banking Innovator
Banking Innovator
Banking Innovator
Media Partners
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Series Impact
0Successful Editions
0Curated Delegates
0Media Features
0Visionary Speakers
Series Speakers
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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
Deputy CEO Strategy & Technology, Hibret Bank S.C
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.CAmere Assefa
Chief Officer, Information Technology Office, Addis Bank
Ifa Abdisa
Executive Director, Digital Banking, Gadda Bank.png)
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 Consultant
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Series Media Partners
Connected Banking Summit
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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.
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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
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2026 Event Roadmap
