The 26th Edition Connected Banking Summit – East Africa | Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 successfully concluded at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, bringing together influential leaders from the banking, fintech, and technology sectors to discuss the future of digital finance in the region.
Organized by the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), the summit served as a powerful platform for collaboration, innovation, and strategic dialogue among CEOs, CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, regulators, fintech founders, and financial technology experts driving transformation across East Africa’s financial ecosystem.
Held under the theme:
“Driving Digital Banking Evolution and Financial Technology Integration Across East Africa,”
the summit highlighted the rapid advancements shaping the region’s financial sector, including AI-powered banking, cybersecurity resilience, digital payment ecosystems, embedded finance, and financial inclusion initiatives.
Throughout the summit, industry leaders explored how financial institutions can embrace emerging technologies while maintaining security, compliance, and seamless customer experiences in an increasingly digital banking environment.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
She: Strengthening Her Equality
In recognition of International Women’s Day, the summit proudly hosted a special segment titled “She: Strengthening Her Equality.”
This dedicated segment celebrated the remarkable contributions and leadership of women in the banking and financial services industry, highlighting their vital role in driving innovation, transformation, and inclusive growth across the sector.
The initiative emphasized the importance of empowering women leaders, promoting diversity, and strengthening gender equality within the financial ecosystem, aligning with the summit’s commitment to inclusive progress across the industry.
Distinguished Guest of Honour
The summit was honoured by the presence of:
Timothy Were
Deputy ICT Director
Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs
Industry Leaders and Speakers
The summit featured a distinguished line-up of speakers representing leading financial institutions and technology providers across the region:
- John Oganda – Head of Compliance, UBA Kenya
- Rex Mafiana – Chief Executive Officer, FPG Technologies & Solutions Limited
- Duncan Omani – Chief Information Security Officer, Access Bank Kenya
- Aijaz Shalla – Chief Operating Officer, SBM Bank Kenya
- Josiah Waweru – Enterprise Sales Manager – Eastern & Southern Africa, Azentio
- Francis Mugera – Regional Sales Manager – East Africa, FPG Technologies & Solutions Ltd
- Melina Tawk – Vice President – Product Management, Islamic Core Banking, Azentio
- Akofa Dakwa – Deputy Managing Director, Bank of Africa Kenya Ltd
- Olu Meyanbe – Regional Head – Strategic Business Analytics, Africa & Middle East, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
- Andrew Mutha – Managing Director – Safaricom Money Transfer Services Limited, Safaricom
- Hartnell Ndungi – Chief Data Officer, Absa Bank Kenya
- Sherif Salama – Chief Risk Officer, Commercial International Bank (CIB) Kenya Limited
- Amon Ngechu – Chief Technology Officer, NCBA Bank Kenya
- Wilson Kamau – Board Member, AAMECC & Director / Lead Trainer & Consultant, Charwilton Company Limited
- Julia Shisia – Principal Officer & Executive Director – Absa Bancassurance, Absa Bank Kenya
- Elizabeth Wasunna – Director, Strategic Partnerships, Absa Bank Kenya PLC
- Reema Makwana – Head of Treasury, Majid Al Futtaim – Carrefour Kenya
- Sarah Abonyo – Head, Public Sector, EMDOS & Institutional Banking, UBA Kenya
- Lyapa Mpempulwa – Chief Executive Officer, Money Acumen Advisory & Securities
Sponsors & Strategic Partners
The summit was made possible through the support of key industry partners committed to driving financial innovation and technology adoption.
Platinum Sponsor
- Azentio
Lead Sponsor
- FPG Technologies & Solutions Ltd
Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026
The summit concluded with the prestigious Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026, recognizing organizations and individuals that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation in the banking and financial services industry.
Award Winners
- Excellence in Islamic Banking – Gulf African Bank
- Excellence in Corporate Banking – Stanbic Bank Kenya
- Bank of the Year – Equity Bank Kenya
- Excellence in Retail Banking – Diamond Trust Bank Kenya
- Excellence in SME Banking – Co-operative Bank of Kenya
- Excellence in Investment Banking – Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
- Excellence in Transaction Banking – Access Bank Kenya
- Excellence in Trade Finance – Ecobank Kenya
- Excellence in Asset Finance – NCBA Bank Kenya
- Excellence in Financial Inclusion – Family Bank
- Excellence in Customer Experience – I&M Bank Kenya
- CISO of the Year – Thelma K
- CDO of the Year – Hartnell Ndungi
- Best Technology Solutions Provider of the Year – Azentio
- CEO of the Year – James Mwangi
- Excellence in Commercial Banking – UBA Bank Kenya
- Outstanding Leadership in Banking – Mary Mulili
- Excellence in E-Banking – KCB Bank Kenya
- Excellence in Banking Services – Absa Bank Kenya
Connected Banking Summit 2026 – The Global Journey Continues
Following the success of the 26th East Africa Edition in Nairobi, the Connected Banking Summit 2026 Global Series continues across major financial hubs this year:
- 27th Edition – Cairo, Egypt | April 2026
- 28th Edition – Johannesburg, South Africa | July 2026
- 29th Edition – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | August 2026
- 30th Edition – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | September 2026
- 31st Edition – Istanbul, Turkey | October 2026
- 32nd Edition – Muscat, Oman | November 2026
8 Countries. One Vision. A Year of Impact.
The Connected Banking Summit Series continues to serve as a global platform connecting financial institutions, fintech innovators, and technology leaders working together to shape the future of banking.
About ICSA
The International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA) is a global leader in organizing high-level business summits and strategic forums that bring together government leaders, financial institutions, technology providers, and industry innovators to address the evolving challenges and opportunities across global markets.