3rd Annual Africa Financial Inclusion Summit & Expo 2026

The Africa Financial Inclusion Summit & Expo 2026 addresses a critical challenge. Financial inclusion remains limited in Africa with current estimates showing only about 43% of people have access to bank accounts in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Challenge

Financial exclusion contributes to poverty and inequality, leading to low levels of economic growth. Although South Africa's financial inclusion is estimated at about 69% (access), many people only use accounts to receive salary or grants and lack access to other financial services.

Mobile technology penetration and innovative fintech solutions have accelerated financial inclusion progress. Yet the cost of most financial services remains a barrier to serving low-income, marginalized, and mostly rural communities.

Why Financial Inclusion Matters

Financial inclusion can play a catalytic role in reducing poverty and inequality and accelerate achievement of sustainable development goals across the continent. Financial inclusion has been identified as an accelerator and enabler of economic growth and a critical solution for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Summit Purpose

The Africa Financial Inclusion Forum endeavors to advance and promote financial inclusion in Africa through innovation, disruptive technologies, policy interventions, and cutting-edge fintech technologies and services.

Key Discussion Topics

The summit explores multiple themes across the financial sector:

Financial inclusion from a continental perspective and within individual countries like South Africa. Policy and regulatory frameworks that enable or constrain financial inclusion.

Financial inclusion across specific services including banking, savings, insurance, credit, payments, investments, pensions, loans, and mortgages.

The role of financial literacy in supporting inclusion efforts.

Barriers and Solutions

Sessions address key barriers and challenges in deepening financial inclusion, particularly the cost of financial services. The summit explores developing financial inclusion infrastructure and frameworks.

Digital transformation and how it supports inclusion goals. Mobile penetration as a catalyst for financial inclusion.

Special Focus Areas

Bridging the gender equality gap through gender lens financial inclusion. Developing financially inclusive products and services that meet diverse needs.

Innovative credit solutions for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). Impact of diaspora remittances in supporting financial access.

The role of blended finance in accelerating financial inclusion efforts.

Outcomes and Impact

How financial inclusion can accelerate achievement of sustainable development goals. Financial inclusion innovations and solutions across Africa through case studies, research, and surveys.

Financial inclusion as a driver of economic growth and prosperity.

Who Should Attend

• Financial services institutions and banks

• Fintech companies and digital payment providers

• Insurance companies

• Microfinance organizations

• Policymakers and government officials

• Regulators in financial services

• Development organizations and NGOs

• Mobile money and digital wallet operators

• Credit unions and savings groups

• Investment and pension fund managers

• Women entrepreneurs and SMMEs

• Youth finance innovators

• Technology companies serving financial inclusion

Event Value

You'll gain insights into innovative approaches to financial inclusion across Africa. The summit addresses practical barriers and solutions relevant to serving underserved populations.

Sessions explore how technology, policy, and new business models can expand access to financial services. You can identify partnerships and opportunities that advance financial inclusion in your region.

Event Details

• Region: Southern African Forum

• Scope: Continental focus on Africa

• Focus: Financial inclusion, fintech innovation, policy frameworks, economic growth

• Topics: Banking, insurance, credit, payments, investments, digital transformation, gender lens inclusion

• Format: Summit and exposition with discussions and showcases

• Registration: Early bird registration available

Check the official Africa Financial Inclusion Forum website for event dates, location, registration information, and the complete program schedule.