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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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
Head of Department - National Payment System
South African Reserve Bank
Conference Chair
Lesego Chauke
Chief Payments Officer
Payments Association of South Africa (PASA)
2026 SPEAKERS
Nkahiseng Ralepeli
VP of Product for Digital Assets
Absa (CIB)
Thato Lesetla
Lead Technology: Payments
Capitec
Neré Jansen Van Vuuren
Director
Africa Region | C&R Software
Lunga Zonke
Chief Technology Officer
Huawei Cloud Southern Africa
Lerato Lamola
Partner
Webber Wentzel
Stephen Mkwanazi
Head: Financial Crime Compliance
FirstRand
Seyi Ebenezer
Chief Executive Officer
Payaza Africa Limited
Shantal Michael
AI & Innovation Technologist
Investec
Janis K.
Chief Executive Officer
Lenderu Group
Brian Mahlangu
Head of Strategy and Commercialisation
Absa Group
Nicholas Harris
Head of Financial Crime
Capitec Bank
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
