A strategic platform for Africa’s fintech power circle

Tuesday

24 March 2026

6th Edition Africa Fintech Forum 2026

Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park by IHG.

Overview

6th Edition Africa Fintech Forum 2026

South Africa’s fintech market enters 2026 on firm growth momentum, with forecasts placing its value
between USD 1–7 billion in the mid-2020s and projecting strong double-digit expansion through the
next decade, led by payments, digital lending and embedded finance. The country stands within
Africa’s core fintech growth cluster alongside Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt, and remains one of the
continent’s most sophisticated customer bases for digital finance. The 1st edition of the Africa Fintech
Forum was blessed with the support of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, and we
extend our thanks as we build on that foundation for the 2026 edition

On the regulatory front, South Africa’s Twin Peaks architecture continues to mature, with the South African Reserve Bank and the FSCA sharpening oversight while encouraging innovation. The rollout of crypto-asset licensing, the progression of the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill, and the phased introduction of open banking and open finance standards signal a regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with market dynamism. The regulatory programme around payments modernisation and data-sharing frameworks is positioning South Africa as one of the most forward looking financial jurisdictions on the continent
The wider fintech ecospace is expanding through deeper bank-fintech collaboration, more embedded financial services across retail and commerce, and the rapid rise of real-time payments infrastructure such as PayShap. Even in a tighter funding cycle, South African fintechs continue to scale into regional markets, building on strong technical talent, high digital adoption and robust financial infra structure. Growth is now driven by sustainable business models, richer data capabilities and a shift toward partnership-driven innovation that links banks, telcos, fintechs and non-financial platforms.
These converging forces make the 6th edition of the Africa Fintech Forum on 24 March 2026 in Johannesburg an important gathering for leaders shaping the future of digital finance in Africa. The event offers a strategic view of South Africa’s evolving regulatory and technological landscape, direct engagement with key decision-makers, and an opportunity to understand how the next wave of fintech growth will be built. For anyone seeking deep insight, regional expansion pathways or high-value collaboration, this forum stands out as a significant platform.

ATTENDEE PROFILE

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Panel Discussions & Keynote Sessions
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A high-level gathering of Africa’s most influential fintech and financial services leaders.

Senior-Level Attendees
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Hours of Knowledge Sharing
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Networking Sessions
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One-to-One Business Meetings
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Spotlight Topics

The Future of Financial Regulation in Africa: Balancing Innovation, Stability, and Inclusion

Modernising National Payment Systems and Open Access to Digital Payments

Central Bank Digital Currencies and the Evolution of Money in Emerging Markets

Building Trust in Digital Finance: Cybersecurity, Fraud, and Consumer Protection

AI, Data, and Responsible Innovation in Financial Services

Cross-Border Payments and Regional Interoperability Across Africa

Financial Inclusion Beyond Access: Designing Products for Real Economic Impact

Collaboration Models Between Banks, Fintechs, and Regulators

Scaling African Fintechs: Governance, Compliance, and Sustainable Growth

The Role of Policy and Infrastructure in Supporting SME and Informal Economy Finance

Our Partners

Guest of Honor & Keynote Speaker

Dr Arif Ismail

Dr Arif Ismail

Head of Department - National Payment System
South African Reserve Bank

Conference Chair

 Lesego Chauke

Lesego Chauke

Chief Payments Officer
Payments Association of South Africa (PASA)

Top Voice-Keynote Speaker

Fikile Mekgoe

Fikile Mekgoe

Head of Technology: Delivery & Testing
Bidvest Bank

2026 SPEAKERS

Keith Sabilika

Keith Sabilika

Senior Fintech Specialist
Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)
Nkahiseng Ralepeli

Nkahiseng Ralepeli

VP of Product for Digital Assets
Absa (CIB)
Pauline Molloyi

Pauline Molloyi

Chief Product and Innovation Officer
OM Bank
Thato Lesetla

Thato Lesetla

Lead Technology: Payments
Capitec
Neré Jansen Van Vuuren

Neré Jansen Van Vuuren

Director
Africa Region | C&R Software
Lunga Zonke

Lunga Zonke

Chief Technology Officer
Huawei Cloud Southern Africa
Lerato Lamola

Lerato Lamola

Partner
Webber Wentzel
Stephen Mkwanazi

Stephen Mkwanazi

Head: Financial Crime Compliance
FirstRand
 Seyi Ebenezer

Seyi Ebenezer

Chief Executive Officer
Payaza Africa Limited
Shantal Michael

Shantal Michael

Head of Innovation
Investec Wealth & Investment International
Janis K.

Janis K.

Chief Executive Officer
Lenderu Group
Brian Mahlangu

Brian Mahlangu

Head of Strategy and Commercialisation
Absa Group
Nicholas Harris

Nicholas Harris

Head of Financial Crime
Capitec Bank
Lebo Lekoloane

Lebo Lekoloane

Head: Group Financial Crime
Sanlam
Akhona C Bashe

Akhona C Bashe

Lead: Strategic Partnerships and New Capability Development
Liberty Group

Media Partners

Why Attend?

The 6th Edition of the Africa Fintech Forum 2026 in Johannesburg is a highly curated, invitation-only platform designed for senior decision-makers shaping the future of financial services across Africa. The forum brings together regulators, central banks, C-suite leaders, and fintech pioneers to engage in candid, policy-aligned dialogue on regulation, innovation, payments, and financial inclusion. With a strong emphasis on practical insights, regulatory clarity, and real-world case studies, attendees gain actionable takeaways that address current market challenges and emerging opportunities. Set in Africa’s leading financial hub, the forum offers a rare opportunity to influence thinking, build strategic relationships, and stay ahead of critical developments defining Africa’s digital finance ecosystem. Why Sponsor? Sponsoring the 2nd Edition of the Africa Fintech Forum 2026 in Johannesburg offers direct access to a highly curated audience of senior decision-makers, regulators, and industry leaders shaping Africa’s financial future. The forum provides sponsors with a trusted platform to position their brand alongside policy dialogue, regulatory priorities, and market-defining conversations. With an invitation-only format and senior-level attendance, sponsors engage in meaningful, high-quality interactions rather than volume-driven exposure. Sponsorship delivers strong brand credibility, thought leadership visibility, and relationship-building opportunities with institutions and influencers driving fintech adoption, payments modernization, and financial inclusion across the continent.

PAST SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

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