The 28th Connected Banking Summit: Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 – Southern Africa, organised by the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), will take place on 14 October 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Banking in Southern Africa: Innovation, Connectivity, and Financial Resilience,” the summit will bring together senior leaders from banking, fintech, and financial services to explore how the region can build a more secure, inclusive, and digitally enabled financial ecosystem.
Southern Africa is undergoing rapid digital transformation, with internet penetration exceeding 60% and mobile adoption rates above 100%. While this growth is accelerating financial inclusion and innovation, it also presents challenges such as infrastructure gaps, rising cybersecurity risks, and complex regulatory environments.
The 2026 summit will address these dynamics through discussions focused on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, open banking, digital payments, sustainable finance, and next-generation financial infrastructure. Sessions will highlight how these tools can improve efficiency, strengthen trust, and support scalable financial services across the region.
The event is designed for C-level executives, banking leaders, fintech innovators, regulators, and technology providers. It offers a platform for knowledge sharing, strategic collaboration, and practical insights into navigating the evolving financial landscape.
A key feature of the summit is the Innovation & Excellence Awards, recognising organisations and individuals driving meaningful progress in banking transformation and financial innovation across Southern Africa.
Through expert-led panels, case studies, and high-level networking, the 28th Edition Connected Banking Summit Southern Africa 2026 aims to support the development of a more connected, resilient, and future-ready financial services ecosystem.
