Ghana’s capital is set to host the 25th Edition of the Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026, a landmark Silver Jubilee event aimed at advancing the digital transformation of West Africa’s financial sector.
The summit, organised by the International Centre for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), will take place on February 25, 2026, in Accra, bringing together senior banking executives, fintech innovators, regulators, policymakers and technology leaders from across the region.
Under the theme, “Next-Gen Finance West Africa: Resilient, Scalable & Customer-Centric,” the summit will focus on strengthening financial infrastructure, scaling innovation and delivering enhanced customer experiences as the region transitions to digital-first financial services.
In a statement ahead of the event, organisers described the 25th edition as a “historic milestone” that returns to Accra, where the West Africa edition was first launched in 2018.
“West Africa is no longer just going digital, it is becoming inherently digital,” the organisers said. “This Silver Jubilee edition will provide a strategic platform for leaders to collaborate, innovate and shape resilient financial ecosystems that are inclusive and future-ready.”
With Ghana’s internet penetration rate currently estimated at 68.6 percent and over 60 percent of African adults holding digital financial accounts, industry stakeholders say the region is entering a new phase of financial evolution driven by technology and inclusion.
The summit will feature high-impact keynote addresses from central bank officials, CEOs and global experts, with discussions centered on artificial intelligence, open banking, payments innovation and cybersecurity.
Strategic panel sessions will also explore financial inclusion, digital identity systems, ESG and green finance, as well as customer experience transformation in banking.
A major highlight of the event will be the Innovation & Excellence Awards Ceremony, which will recognise outstanding leadership and performance across more than 30 categories in digital banking, fintech innovation and financial inclusion.
Organisers expect participation from over 1,970 delegates representing more than 770 organisations across banking, fintech and technology sectors. The event will also offer exclusive VIP networking opportunities for C-suite executives, ministry representatives, regulators and fintech founders.
“This summit is more than a conference — it is a movement to accelerate sustainable financial innovation in West Africa,” the statement added.
Registration and partnership opportunities are currently open, with organisers encouraging stakeholders to participate in what they describe as a defining moment for the region’s financial ecosystem.
