Press Release
26th Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026
East Africa Edition
Driving Digital Banking Evolution and Financial-Technology Integration Across East Africa
Nairobi, Kenya | 11 March 2026
The International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA) proudly announces the 26th Edition of the Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 (East Africa Edition), scheduled to take place on 11 March 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
As East Africa enters a decisive phase of digital-finance maturity, the summit will convene banking CEOs, fintech founders, regulators, telecom leaders, investors, and global technology providers to define the next chapter of banking and financial services across the region. The platform is designed to accelerate collaboration, enable commercially viable partnerships, and drive scalable innovation within the East African financial ecosystem.
Theme 2026
“Driving Digital Banking Evolution and Financial-Technology Integration Across East Africa”
The 26th edition will spotlight the technologies, policy frameworks, and strategic alliances reshaping financial services—covering open finance, real-time and cross-border payments, AI-driven decision intelligence, digital identity, cyber resilience, and interoperable financial infrastructures that support inclusive and sustainable growth.
Why East Africa, Why Now
East Africa remains a global benchmark for mobile money innovation, digital payments adoption, and financial inclusion, with Kenya at the forefront of this transformation. In alignment with national and regional priorities—including frameworks guided by the Central Bank of Kenya—the summit will address:
Scalable digital transformation for banks and financial institutions
Cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and digital trust in an AI-driven era
Smart data utilization, analytics, and personalization
Inclusive finance models supporting MSMEs and underserved communities
Sustainable growth and ESG-aligned financial strategies
Summit Highlights
Visionary keynote addresses from senior banking executives, regulators, and global technology leaders
High-level panel discussions on digital identity, fraud prevention, cross-border payments, SME credit innovation, ESG integration, embedded finance, and open APIs
Connected Banking Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026, recognizing institutions and leaders driving measurable impact in digital finance
O3O (One-on-One) strategic business meetings and exclusive C-suite networking, focused on deal-making and long-term partnerships
Why You Should Attend
Gain actionable insights into AI deployment, cloud migration, open banking frameworks, and payment modernization
Engage directly with senior decision-makers shaping East Africa’s digital economy
Build strategic partnerships across banking, fintech, telecom, and technology ecosystems
Stay ahead of regulatory developments, emerging risks, and innovation opportunities impacting the region’s financial future
Registration & Enquiries
Organiser: International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA)
Website: www.intercsa.com
Summit Website: https://connected-banking.com/summit/east-africa/
Email: [email protected]
Contact: +44 20 3808 8625
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, Elgon Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
