Accra, Ghana: As West Africa’s financial sector accelerates its transition into a digital‑first era, industry leaders, policymakers, innovators and technology strategists are preparing to gather for the landmark 25th Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 on 25 February 2026 in Accra.
Organised by the International Centre for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), this year’s edition marks the Silver Jubilee of one of the region’s most respected banking and fintech leadership forums. Under the theme “Next‑Gen Finance West Africa: Resilient, Scalable & Customer‑Centric,” the summit aims to showcase how financial institutions can build future‑ready systems that meet the demands of rapidly evolving markets.
West Africa’s financial ecosystem is evolving at pace. With significant increases in digital account adoption and internet connectivity across the region, the summit arrives at a moment when banks and fintechs alike are shifting from basic digitisation to deep‑rooted digital transformation.
A Premier Forum for Innovation and Collaboration
The summit has grown into a must‑attend event for industry executives, innovators, regulators and technology leaders who want to shape the financial sector’s next chapter. Attendees will gain insights into key strategic priorities driving West Africa’s financial evolution, including resilience in digital infrastructure, scalable solutions for growth, and customer‑centric service delivery.
Participants can expect high‑impact keynote speeches from central bank officials, CEOs and global experts, followed by panel discussions on pivotal topics such as:
-
AI and data intelligence transforming financial services
-
Open finance and embedded banking models
-
Cybersecurity and risk governance in a digital age
-
Payments innovation and cross‑border integration
-
Financial inclusion and sustainable finance solutions
These sessions will explore both strategic and practical insights into how institutions can respond to shifting customer expectations while navigating regulatory complexity and emerging technology opportunities.
Celebrating Innovation
A highlight of the summit is the Innovation & Excellence Awards Ceremony, which recognises outstanding leadership, breakthrough initiatives and impactful solutions across digital banking, fintech innovation, and financial inclusion. With over 30 award categories, the ceremony celebrates achievements that are driving meaningful change across Africa’s financial landscape.
Beyond formal sessions, the event provides unmatched networking opportunities, bringing together nearly 2,000 delegates from 770+ organisations spanning banks, fintechs, regulators and technology partners. Industry executives will also have opportunities for one‑on‑one engagement with partners, collaborators and potential investors.
Why This Summit Matters
The Connected Banking Summit continues to play a critical role in shaping conversations around the future of financial services in West Africa. By fostering collaboration and showcasing the latest trends like AI‑driven financial products and open‑banking ecosystems, the summit equips attendees with the insights and tools needed to compete in a dynamic, digital environment.
Accra, chosen again as the host city, reflects the region’s thriving fintech and digital banking momentum. The Ghanaian capital remains a strategic hub for financial services innovation, attracting global attention and investment as part of the continent’s digital transformation journey.
As organisations look to unlock resilience, scalability and customer‑centric growth, the 25th Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 promises to be a cornerstone event that sets the stage for the future of connected finance in West Africa.
For more information and registration details, visit: connected‑banking.com/summit/west‑africa/
