Africa is emerging as one of the fastest-growing fintech markets globally. With half of the world’s mobile money accounts and successful fintech solutions like M-Pesa catering to the population’s needs, Africa’s fintech sector is blossoming.
The continent is currently home to approximately 1,000 fintech companies, with about half having been founded since 2017, data from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) show. Payment stands as the primary focus of the ecosystem, but other verticals, including accounts and lending, are establishing themselves at a fast pace.
Cumulatively, these companies have raised US$6 billion in equity financing since 2000, and investments have risen at an annual rate of 57% versus 27% for the rest of the globe.
Experts and industry observers predict further growth moving forward. A 2023 report by the BCG and QED Investors projects that fintech revenue in Africa could grow 13-fold between 2021 and 2030, and reach US$65 billion, making the Africa the fastest-growing region in fintech activity.
As the African fintech sector continues to mature, networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration are becoming more crucial than ever. To this end, a plethora of events and conferences are being scheduled across the continent to allow industry stakeholders to connect and learn more about the industry’s hottest trends, biggest opportunities and most pressing challenges.
Today, we look at ten of the most anticipated fintech events taking place in Africa in Q2 2024. These large gatherings are expected to bring together some of the world’s most renowned fintech leaders and decision makers to discuss the biggest opportunities and most urging challenges to tackle in Africa.
BigFive Summit 2024
March 19-20, 2024
Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
The BigFive Summit 2024 will take place on March 19 and 20 at the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa. This event will bring together the companies that are transforming Africa’s small business digital ecosystem, including the developers creating digital solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the agencies, banks, telecoms, software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms, media organizations, investors, and small business owners themselves to explore the latest advancements in SME digital transformation and forge partnerships to support the growth and success of African businesses.
Key topics covered during the summit will include customer acquisition, engagement, and retention; invoicing and payments; logistics and inventory management; human resource (HR) management; cybersecurity and data protection, among others.
The agenda will feature a mix of thought-provoking keynotes, executive interviews, panel discussions, and networking events. Notable sessions will include talks on Africa’s tech outlook, mobile advertising for SMEs, artificial intelligence (AI) for Africa’s future, leadership insights from successful entrepreneurs, the evolution of marketing and sales, and unlocking Africa’s digital skills opportunity.
Tech Unite Africa
March 26-27, 2024
Muson Convention Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Tech Unite Africa is set to take place on March 26 and 27, 2024, at the Muson Convention Center in Lagos, Nigeria. The event aims to serve as a gathering point for tech companies, professionals, enthusiasts, and the general public from around the world, to discuss and foster the development of the African tech industry.
The event will play host to a number of seminars, training, and conferences on issues bordering on the development of the tech industry in Africa. The conference will feature a lineup of speakers including innovators, thought leaders, and trailblazers from the global technology ecosystem.
The startup segment of the event will have aspiring tech entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a team of selected investors, and the Tech Unite Africa Expo will showcase exhibitions of the latest tech solutions and innovations, providing attendees with insights into cutting-edge technologies shaping the industry.
Finally, the Tech Innovation Recognition and Awards will honor outstanding achievements in technology and innovation. This recognition program aims to acknowledge the brilliance and dedication of individuals and organizations pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve.
Fintech Jordan Conference 2024
May 08-09, 2024
The St. Regis, Amman, Jordan
The Fintech Jordan Conference 2024 is scheduled to take place on May 08 and 09 at The St. Regis in Amman, Jordan. The event aims to convene a diverse array of stakeholders, including regulators, policymakers, industry thought leaders, fintech solution providers, insurance, e-commerce, telecommunications, startups, and innovators. By providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, it seeks to drive growth and excellence in Jordan’s fintech industry.
The Fintech Jordan Conference 2024 will feature a two-day conference comprising exclusive interviews, panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats, focusing on vital topics and addressing challenges to accelerate adoption and foster innovation in the financial sector. A diverse lineup of speakers, including fintech industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators, ensures a rich tapestry of insights from various backgrounds and areas of expertise.
Additionally, the conference will showcase innovative fintech products and solutions tailored for the Jordanian market, providing attendees with opportunities to explore cutting-edge technologies and network with local regulators, banks, and fintech companies.
Key themes of the event will include digital banking and finance, open banking and open finance, mobile wallets and e-payments, fintech regulations and policies, financial inclusion, and cross-border payments.
3i Africa Summit
May 13-15, 2024
Accra, Ghana
The 3i Africa Summit is scheduled to take place from May 13 to 15, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. Organized by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and Development Bank Ghana (DBG), in partnership with Elevandi, which was established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the summit aims to bring together governments, businesses, investors, academia, and thought leaders to unlock Africa’s full potential and explore the state of fintech and the digital economy.
The 3i Africa Summit will function as a multifaceted platform for policy discourse, global alignment of intellectual resources, entrepreneurial endeavors, and investment networking. Key initiatives of the summit will include stimulating and curating investment, shining a spotlight on investment opportunities within the African digital economy and fintech landscape, promoting policy and regulatory development through engaging regulators and policymakers, and fostering innovation and impact by cultivating a culture of innovation and providing platforms for idea exchange.
Attendees can expect to explore investment opportunities, engage in dialogues with international investors and capital providers, learn from over 100 speakers on current developments influencing Africa’s innovation landscape, generate leads and partnership opportunities, expand their network, and access opportunities for fintech career advancements.
Africa CEO Forum
May 16-17, 2024
Kigali, Rwanda
Set to take place on May 16 and 17, 2024, the Africa CEO Forum will bring together 2,000 business leaders, CEOs, investors, heads of state, and ministers to address the shifting landscape of the African continent and to set transformative agendas for its future.
Over two days and through more than 60 panel discussions, public-private workshops, and closed-door roundtables, the forum will delve into critical topics shaping Africa’s future, including how to secure Africa’s place at the global table, empower the private sector, leverage comparative advantages, and foster innovation and talent.
The Africa CEO Forum will feature four key transformative agendas:
- The Leadership Agenda will explore governance models to unify Africa’s voice on the global stage and usher in business-friendly public policies.
- The Digital Agenda will address how Africa can keep pace in the global AI race, combat cyberattacks, and strengthen tech ecosystems to position the continent as a global hub for innovation and talent.
- The Integration Agenda will examine how national leaders can establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a robust common market and challenge trade obstacles through pan-African business champions.
- The Financing Agenda will explore how Africa’s financial sector can seize opportunities presented by the retreat of international finance, utilize creative financing instruments, and attract local and foreign investors to fuel growth without raising the debt burden.
2024 RegtechAfrica Conference and Awards
May 23-24, 2024
Lagos, Nigeria
The 2024 RegtechAfrica Conference and Awards, scheduled to take place on May 23 and 24 in Lagos, Nigeria, will address the evolving regulatory landscape in Africa, particularly concerning digital economies.
Data, considered the new form of capital in the 21st century, has become a critical factor in driving economic growth, fostering competition, and encouraging innovation. However, African nations have faced challenges in realizing its full potential due to inconsistent governance frameworks. The conference seeks to evaluate these challenges and explore opportunities for leveraging data effectively, especially in light of the AfCFTA agreement.
The conference will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, case studies, panel discussions, and presentations aimed at providing industry-leading knowledge, sharing best practices, and identifying emerging trends. Topics will range from regulatory compliance and digital financial services to cybersecurity and financial inclusion.
The agenda will include tracks covering various aspects of data governance, such as consumer protection, digital microfinance, e-commerce, AI regulation, anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) compliance, supervisory technology, insurance innovation, women in regtech, and financial inclusion. It will also feature the Regtech Rockstar Awards, recognizing excellence in innovative regulation across Africa and beyond.
With over 50 speakers and 1,000 industry experts expected to attend, the event promises to be a premier platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, with a focus on driving business growth and staying ahead of regulatory challenges in the digital era.
Finance Magnates Africa Summit 2024
May 27-29, 2024
Sandton City, Johannesburg, South Africa
The 2024 Finance Magnates Africa Summit (FMAS:24) will take place from May 27 to 29, in Sandton City in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event, organized by FMevents, promises to be one of the largest business-to-consumer (B2C) and B2B exhibition in Africa within the online trading, financial services, crypto and payments industries.
FMAS:24 aims to highlight the unique opportunities within the African region, fostering innovation and collaboration in the dynamic financial sector. It will serve as a platform for various stakeholders, including existing traders, individuals interested in trading financial markets, leading online brokers, educators, experts, and businesses in financial services, to network, learn, and promote their products and services, and building meaningful business relationships.
This year’s agenda will encompass a diverse array of topics, ranging from fintech advancements to regulatory landscapes, offering attendees insightful discussions and actionable insights.
Key highlights of the summit will include fostering collaboration and partnerships across borders, exploring the latest trends and topics across four industry verticals (online trading, blockchain and digital assets, fintech, and payments), and addressing the unique regulatory and compliance challenges facing the financial sector in Africa.
Future of Payments Summit 2024
June 13-14, 2024
Eko Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria
The 3rd annual Future of Payments Summit will be landing in Lagos, Nigeria on June 13 and 14, 2024. The summit will bring together senior representatives from various sectors including banks, merchants, policymakers, fintechs, card providers, investors, consultants, and solutions providers. It will address key challenges facing the payments industry, and function not only as a summit but also as a powerhouse where industry stakeholders unite to exchange groundbreaking ideas and insights.
Through panel discussions, presentations, and networking sessions, attendees will get to gain deeper insights into the current financial landscape. Participants will get to connect, share experiences, and establish relationships with industry leaders and peers.
With an impressive lineup of speakers, the event promises to be a catalyst for transformation in the payments industry, inspiring attendees to drive innovation and progress in the field.
Africa Technology Expo
June 22, 2024
Landmark Event Center, Lagos, Nigeria
The Africa Technology Expo is set to take place on June 22, 2024, at the Landmark Event Center in Lagos, Nigeria. This annual event serves as a gathering point for tech startups, established tech companies, investors, and tech enthusiasts to showcase innovation, tech products, and solutions, while also fostering collaboration and driving investment within the African tech ecosystem.
The expo will offer attendees the opportunity to explore innovations in various fields such as fintech, healthtech, edtech, AI, the Internet-of-Things (IoT), blockchain, and cybersecurity. From startups with game-changing minimum viable products (MVPs) to established tech giants and global brands, the event promises to feature a diverse array of forward-thinking products and ideas, all under one roof.
The 2024 Africa Technology Expo will also feature interactive demos, engaging presentations, and insightful panel discussions, providing attendees with a platform to network, learn about the latest trends in tech, and gain inspiration for their own tech endeavors. Participants will get to connect with like-minded individuals and explore the cutting-edge innovations shaping the continent’s tech landscape.
Digital Finance Africa 2024
June 27, 2024
Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
The Digital Finance Africa 2024, scheduled to take place on June 27 in Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, will bring together the leaders, experts, and enthusiasts shaping Africa’s digital finance future.
Under the theme “Secure Horizons: Building Trust in Africa’s Digital Finance Future”, the conference will address critical topics such as cybersecurity, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. By focusing on these issues, the aim is to instill trust among consumers, businesses, and investors in Africa’s digital finance landscape.
Attendees can expect a series of top-level keynotes, interactive panel discussions, and solution-based case studies covering emerging fintech topics. Key areas of exploration will include digital currencies, digital-only banks, open banking, banking-as-a-service (BaaS), customer experience, digital transformation, ethical innovation, blockchain, payments, personalization, and automation.
