Africa’s fintech sector has moved beyond proving its potential. The focus now is on converting that momentum into a scalable digital financial ecosystem that expands financial inclusion, connects markets and drives economic growth across the continent, says Serigne Dioum, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group Fintech.
The MTN Group Fintech Summit 2026 will bring together regulators, policymakers, financial institutions, technology partners, merchants, developers and innovators to explore how Africa can accelerate digital financial inclusion and broaden economic participation. Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, will deliver the keynote address.
Hosted under the theme “Maximum Velocity, As One,” the three-day Summit builds on the momentum of the 2025 “Take Off” Summit, shifting the conversation from ambition to acceleration. This year’s programme focuses on technology, trusted infrastructure, responsible innovation and strategic partnerships as key enablers of inclusive digital financial services across the continent.
Day One places trust at the centre of Africa’s fintech growth agenda, exploring how progressive, risk-based regulation, resilient infrastructure and deeper public-private collaboration can create the certainty needed for innovation to scale while safeguarding consumers and financial systems.
Dioum adds that Africa’s next chapter of fintech growth depends on collective action across the ecosystem.
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“Africa has an enormous opportunity to build a digital financial ecosystem that is innovative, inclusive and capable of supporting the continent’s broader economic ambitions. To realise this potential, we must move with speed and purpose, together. Regulators, policymakers, financial institutions, technology companies and fintech players each bring distinct strengths, and our progress will depend on how effectively we combine those capabilities to deliver trusted, accessible and scalable solutions for the people and businesses we serve.”
A key feature of the opening day is an invitation-only Regulatory Closed Dialogue, bringing together central banks, regulators and policymakers to engage on the policy, regulatory and infrastructure foundations needed to support Africa’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Nikiwe Tanga, Chief Legal Officer, MTN Group Fintech, says trust must remain the foundation for sustainable innovation as digital financial services evolve.
“The pace of innovation creates tremendous opportunities for Africa, but sustainable progress depends on ensuring that trust keeps pace. This requires stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, clear alignment around responsible innovation, and a shared commitment to solutions that serve people, businesses and communities. Africa’s digital financial future must be built collectively, responsibly and inclusively.”
Across the Summit, discussions will move through three interconnected pillars: Trust, Velocity and Horizon. Following the opening focus on regulation, trust and infrastructure, delegates will explore the acceleration of payments, lending, artificial intelligence and platform growth, before turning to the partnerships, emerging technologies and inclusive solutions shaping the future of African fintech.
Through the MTN Group Fintech Summit 2026, MTN Group Fintech aims to deepen industry dialogue, strengthen ecosystem partnerships and help translate Africa’s fintech potential into practical progress towards a more connected, inclusive and resilient digital economy.
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