Ethiopia took center stage in East Africa's financial technology sector as the 29th Connected Banking Summit & Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 officially opened at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel. Organised by the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), this flagship event brings together banking executives, central bank regulators, fintech founders, and cybersecurity experts to drive the next wave of digital financial transformation across Ethiopia and the broader region.
Accelerating Ethiopia's Financial Sector Modernisation
Held under the theme "Building Digital Financial Systems and Accelerating Banking Modernization in Emerging Markets," the summit provides a strategic platform for cross-border collaboration, regulatory alignment, and technology adoption. As part of ICSA’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, this landmark edition highlights Ethiopia's rapid movement toward a cashless, inclusive, and modern financial ecosystem.
Ethiopia’s financial services industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by key regulatory reforms, expanding mobile money networks, and accelerating digital banking adoption. The 29th Connected Banking Summit directly aligns with Ethiopia’s National Digital Payments Strategy, serving as an executive forum to map out the future of secure and customer-centric banking.
Key Discussion Themes & Core Agenda
Throughout the summit, global industry leaders and regional policymakers are engaging in high-level keynotes, panel discussions, and technology showcases. The agenda focuses on critical themes reshaping financial services in emerging markets:
Digital Transformation & Core Modernisation: Upgrading legacy banking systems, migrating to cloud infrastructure, and deploying Open Banking/Open Finance frameworks.
Next-Gen Payments & Interoperability: Expanding real-time payment rails, cross-border remittances, and integrated e-commerce solutions.
Artificial Intelligence & Automation: Leveraging AI and machine learning for intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and personalized customer experiences.
Cybersecurity & Digital Trust: Strengthening IT risk management, e-KYC protocols, digital identity integration, and defense against evolving cyber threats.
Financial Inclusion & Regulatory Innovation: Enhancing access to formal financial tools for unbanked populations while maintaining strict regulatory compliance.
Featured Regional Speakers & Leadership
The event features a distinguished lineup of senior decision-makers from Ethiopia’s leading public and private financial institutions:
Temesgen Busha – Chief Transformation Officer, Awash Bank
Dr. Andualem Hailu – Deputy CEO, Strategy & Technology, Hibret Bank
Muluken Demessie – Chief Retail & SME Banking Officer, Nib International Bank
Tadesse Hatiya – President, Sidama Bank
Assefa Amere – Chief Officer, Information Technology Office, Addis Bank S.C.
Saminas S. – Chief Marketing & Communications Officer and Director of Stakeholder Engagement, National ID Ethiopia
Seyoum Damtew Metaferia – Vice President, Information System Security, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Mengistu Endalamaw – Director, Digital Banking, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Gutama Ashana – Director, Information Security Management, Awash Bank
Tewodros Abay – Director, Acceptance Network, Bank of Abyssinia
Yonas L. – Director, IT Risk & Cyber Security, Hibret Bank
Mengistu Gemechu – Director of Strategy, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Temesgen Taye – Director of Cyber Security, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Mekdes Bekele – Director, Digital Banking Department, Global Bank Ethiopia
Biruk W. – Director, Information Technology Security, Abay Bank S.C.
Nejib (Ahmed) Aliyi – Director, Innovation and Strategy, Rammis Bank
Khalid Ahmed – Director, Application & Database Administration, Rammis Bank
Ermoniem Brhanu Balcha – Digital Innovation & Partnership Division Head, Berhan Bank
Solomon Damtew – Director, Banking, Payments & Settlements, National Bank of Ethiopia
Fikru Tsegaye Wordofa – Member of the Board of Directors, Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX)
Global Technology Sponsors & Strategic Partners
International technology leaders are actively supporting Ethiopia's banking modernization journey through strategic sponsorships at the summit:
Thunes (Gold Sponsor): A global cross-border payments infrastructure provider enabling real-time, secure transactions across bank accounts and mobile wallets worldwide to expand global financial access.
ManageEngine (Associate Sponsor): The enterprise IT management arm of Zoho Corporation, supplying comprehensive solutions for identity access, cybersecurity, endpoint management, and network operations to enterprises across the globe.
Recognizing Excellence: Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026
A major highlight of the summit is the Connected Banking Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026. These awards recognize pioneering organizations and visionary leaders who have set new benchmarks in transforming financial services across East Africa.
Categories celebrating institutional excellence include:
Digital Banking & Payments Innovation
Banking Leadership & Digital Transformation
Customer Experience Excellence
AI Application in Financial Services
Cybersecurity & Risk Management Excellence
Financial Inclusion & Sustainable Banking Initiatives
Fintech Collaboration & Open Banking Innovation
A Catalyst for East Africa's Digital Economy
By bridging executive leadership, regulatory bodies, and global solution providers, the Connected Banking Summit series continues to establish itself as a primary driver of digital economy growth across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The strategic discussions in Addis Ababa underscore Ethiopia's growing role as a hub for fintech innovation and resilient financial infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa.
