Rabat – East Africa stands at a defining moment in its financial transformation story.
On March 11, Nairobi will host the 26th Edition of the Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 (East Africa Edition), an event convened by the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA).
The summit arrives at a time when digital finance has moved beyond experimentation and entered a phase of structural reform. Banks no longer debate whether to digitize. The question now centers on scale, security, intelligence, and long-term sustainability.
A strategic conversation for a critical moment
Kenya has built a reputation as a pioneer in mobile money and digital payments. The broader East African region has followed with strong adoption rates and rapid fintech expansion.
Policymakers, under frameworks shaped by institutions such as the Central Bank of Kenya, now push for deeper interoperability, consumer protection, and innovation that supports economic inclusion.
The 2026 summit reflects this shift in priorities. Rather than broad discussions about digital potential, the agenda focuses on execution. How can banks modernize legacy systems without service disruption? How can financial institutions defend against AI-powered fraud? How can regulators balance innovation with stability?
Theme 2026: a call for integration and evolution
Under the theme “Driving Digital Banking Evolution and Financial-Technology Integration Across East Africa,” this edition places emphasis on practical collaboration between banks, fintech firms, telecom operators, regulators, and technology providers.
The program explores:
- Open finance frameworks and API-driven ecosystems
- Real-time and cross-border payment infrastructure
- Artificial intelligence for credit scoring and risk intelligence
- Digital identity systems that expand access
- Cyber resilience and fraud mitigation strategies
- ESG-focused financial models that support sustainable growth
The conversation extends beyond technology and addresses trust, governance, and measurable impact.
From dialogue to deal-making
The summit structure encourages direct engagement. Keynote sessions will feature senior banking executives, regulators, and global technology leaders. Panel discussions will tackle digital identity, SME financing, open banking architecture, embedded finance, and cross-border payment reform.
The Connected Banking Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 will recognize institutions and leaders whose strategies deliver tangible results in digital transformation. Recognition will focus on outcomes rather than ambition.
A curated O3O (One-on-One) meeting format will give participants access to focused business discussions. Organizers expect strong C-suite participation, which may translate into partnership announcements and regional expansion plans.
Why this edition matters
East Africa’s financial sector has entered a new phase. Digital adoption rates remain high. Customer expectations continue to rise. Fraud risks grow more complex. Regulatory frameworks evolve. Institutions that fail to adapt risk losing relevance.
For banks, fintech founders, telecom operators, and investors, the Nairobi summit offers more than visibility. It provides insight into regulatory direction, technology priorities, and partnership pathways that shape the next five years of regional finance.
As Nairobi prepares to host industry leaders from across the continent and beyond, the 26th Connected Banking Summit positions itself not simply as a conference, but as a catalyst for the next chapter in East Africa’s digital banking journey.