ETHIOPIA edition

ETHIOPIA'S FLAGSHIP DIGITAL BANKING EVENT

Ethiopia's banking industry is undergoing remarkable digital transformation, driven by the government's modernisation efforts and increased adoption of technology. Mobile banking, digital payments, and online services are being embraced by Ethiopian banks, expanding financial access and improving convenience, efficiency, and security.

With a population of over 110 million and a large financial sector in the midst of deregularisation, Ethiopia is Africa's last major frontier market that is ripe for digital banking innovation. Its fast-growing economy, focused on sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, creates a demand for modern financial solutions that support business growth and enable cross-border transactions. Moreover, the country's relatively low level of financial inclusion offers significant opportunities for digital banking to reach underserved populations, empowering individuals and small businesses.

Join us in Addis Ababa and be a part of the digital banking wave sweeping Africa's largest transitioning economy. With top speakers from the continent and around the globe, as well as networking opportunities with peers and suppliers, there's no better place to connect, learn and innovate.

AGENDA

0800 - 0900

Registration

0900 - 0905

Opening Remarks

Amaha Bekele, Summit Chair

0905 - 0925

Navigating the Currents: The Future of Digital Banking (Part 1)

Disrupting the disruption: Where is Ethiopian banking heading next?
Sleepless nights: What are the top 5 challenges facing Ethiopian bank CXOs in 2024?
ESG, Gen AI, embedded finance: What's the next big thing in banking and are Ethiopian banks ready for it?
Eyes wide open: How will the bank of the future look like?

Andualem Hailu, Deputy CEO - Strategy & Tech, Hibret Bank
Tewodros Hailu, Director, Bank Transformation, Awash Bank
Mengistu Gemechu, Director: Corporate Strategy, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Hammad Rasool, Co-Founder & Director, Xpert Digital

0925 - 0940

Outlook on the Future of Payments in Ethiopia

Deniss Filipovs, Head of Sales & BD, Africa, Tietoevry

0940 - 1000

Navigating the Currents: The Future of Digital Banking (Part 2)

Disrupting the disruption: Where is Ethiopian banking heading next?
Sleepless nights: What are the top 5 challenges facing Ethiopian bank CXOs in 2024?
ESG, Gen AI, embedded finance: What's the next big thing in banking and are Ethiopian banks ready for it?
Eyes wide open: How will the bank of the future look like?

Belay Gezahegn, Director, Strategy & Innovation, Enat Bank
Shimelis Legesse, VP, Information Systems, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Emishaw Tefera, Executive Director, Digital Banking, Ahadu Bank

1000 - 1015

Ethiopia's Evolving Digital Banking Landscape

Adil Ahmed, VP & Deputy MD, MEA, Compass Plus Technologies

1015 - 1030

Digital Banking to Digital Lending:
Revolutionising the Self-service Digital Borrowing Experience

Hammad Rasool, Co-Founder & Director, Xpert Digital

1030 - 1115

Networking Break

1115 - 1135

Breaking Barriers: Strategies to Drive Financial Inclusion

Beyond mobile money: New approaches to boost financial inclusion
Rural banking: Designing products that connect, not exclude.
Bridging the gender gap: How can digital banking empower African women?
Fintech & NGOs: How can partnerships unlock financial access for all?

Yared Endale, Country Lead, Visa
Abenezer Feleke, Lead Advisor, Ethiopia NIDP
Amsalu A. Gutema, CEO, Wasasa Microfinance S.C.
Albert Kiguta, Chief Growth Officer, Kifiya Financial Technology

1135 - 1150

Lightbulb Moments: HID

Dami Adebari, Regional Sales Manager, Africa, HID Global

1150 - 1205

Lightbulb Moments: S2M

1205 - 1220

Fireside Chat with Sefialem Liben, CEO, Ahadu Bank

1220 - 1240

Beyond Mobile Money: The Future of African Payments

Mobile money 2.0: Adapting to stay ahead in Ethiopia's evolving landscape.
Cashless revolution: How can Ethiopia leapfrog cash with QR codes & wallets?
Blockchain payments: Can Africa lead the way in secure cross-border transactions?
Real-time payments: Are we getting there?

Houssam El Ismaili, Regional Operations Director, S2M
Yared Endale, Country Lead, Visa
Deniss Filipovs, Head of Sales & BD, Africa, Tietoevry
Melka Girma, Director of Partnerships, Arifpay
Dawit Teferra, Chief Tech & Digital Banking Officer, Nib International Bank

1240 - 1255

Fintech Survival Strategies in Social Media Storms in 2024

Dima Raketa, CEO, Reputation House

1255 - 1310

Accura Scan Digital KYC & Identity Verification Solutions

Hasnain Patel, Regional Business Head, MEA, Accura Scan

1310 - 1330

Securing Trust: New Tactics to Enhance Cybersecurity

Hacking the hackers: Next-gen technologies to outsmart evolving threats
The human factor: How can banks address the human vulnerabilities that compromise security?
Walking the tightrope: How to balance convenience and security?
Beyond compliance: How can banks build lasting digital trust with customers?

Eskatnaf Bayu, Director - IT & Cyber Security, Zemen Bank
Temesgen Taye Lamesa, Director - IS Security, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Yonas Lemma, Director, IT Risk & Cybersecurity, Hibret Bank
Norbert Moysan, Senior Account Executive, Nevis Security AG
Joseph Ongoro, Regional Sales Executive, Africa, HID Global

1330 - 1345

DigiBank Awards

1345 - 1350

Closing Remarks

Amaha Bekele, Summit Chair

1350 - 1430

VIP Networking Lunch

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