Tuesday
24 March 2026
6th Edition Africa Fintech Forum 2026
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 2nd 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
Farzana Badat
Deputy Commissioner
Financial Sector Conduct
Authority (FSCA)
Conference Chair
Chipo Mushwana
Executive - Emerging & Innovation
Nedbank Group
& Founder of Women in Payments Africa
Special Guest & Champion Innovator
Dr. Tjaart Van Der Walt
Co-Founder & Director
Tyme Group
2025 SPEAKERS
Awelani Rahulani
Head of Department - Fintech
Financial Sector Conduct
Authority (FSCA)
Nolwazi Hlophe
Senior Specialist - Fintech
Financial Sector Conduct
Authority (FSCA)
Didintle Nonyane, CFP®
Group Account Executive
Lifecheq
Dustin Strydom
Vice President Commercial
Smile ID
Ntombizethu Dhlodhlo
Head of Digital Strategy
Discovery Limited
Akhona C. Bashe
Lead: Strategic Partnerships and New Capability Development
Liberty Group South Africa
Matthew Crow
Manager - Expansion Services
Tether
Dr. Nceba Hene
Head: Rewards and Loyalty
African Bank
Lerato Lamola
Partner
Webber Wentzel
Carmelle M. Cadet
Founder and CEO
EMTECH
Thato Kgalamono
Head User Experience
Rand Merchant Bank (RMB)
Sherwin David
Head: Talent
Alexforbes
Danielle Du Toit
COO
Fintech Association of
South Africa (FINASA)
Calvin Huang
Head of Soultion Architecture
Huawei
Tshediso Khuzwayo
Head of Service Operations
OM Bank
Charne Sahabedin
BU Head Human Capital
FNB South Africa
Roy Alves
Sales Director
J2 Software
Lance Abramson
Partner
Spoor & Fisher
Brian Mahlangu
VP of Product Mobile (CIB)
Absa Group
Alejandro Ballon
Head of Sales Africa
Incode
Why Attend?
The 2nd 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
