20th Edition Connected Banking Summit East Africa 2025 – A Defining Moment for East Africa’s Financial Future
March 12, 2025 | Mövenpick Hotel & Residences, Nairobi, Kenya
[Nairobi, Kenya] – The
20th Edition Connected Banking Summit - Innovation & Excellence Awards 2025concluded with resounding success, reinforcing its status as East Africa’s premier financial and banking event. The summit, held on
March 12, 2025, at Mövenpick Hotel & Residences, Nairobi, Kenya, brought together an
elite lineup of banking leaders, fintech innovators, cybersecurity experts, and policymakers to drive discussions on digital transformation, financial inclusion, and future-proof banking strategies.
The Innovation & Excellence Awards 2025 celebrated outstanding achievements in the sector, while a special segment dedicated to Women in Finance & Technology highlighted the contributions of female leaders shaping the industry.
This landmark event not only set the stage for innovation but also solidified strategic partnerships aimed at redefining East Africa’s financial landscape.
Keynote Speakers & Thought Leaders
The Connected Banking Summit 2025 featured an impressive lineup of C-suite executives, policymakers, and industry disruptors who shared invaluable insights on topics ranging from digital banking evolution to cybersecurity threats and customer experience innovations.
Notable Speakers Included:
- Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, CBS – Principal Secretary, State Department of ICT and Digital Economy
- Elijah Wamalwa – Managing Director & CEO, Co-operative Bank of South Sudan
- Tamara Cook – CEO, Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Kenya
- Abhinav Nehra – CEO, CIB Kenya
- Mary Mulili – MD/CEO, UBA Kenya
- Anne Muraya – CEO, Deloitte East Africa
- Lilian Odhiambo – Acting Country Managing Director, Access Bank Kenya
- Justine Kosgei – CEO & Principal Officer, AAR Insurance Kenya
- Akofa Dakwa – Deputy Managing Director, Bank of Africa Kenya Ltd
- Duncan Omani – CISO, Access Bank Kenya
- Andrey Semenyuchenko – Head of Corporate Security Solutions, Kaspersky
- Aijaz A. Shalla – Chief Operating Officer, SBM Bank Kenya
- Sherif Salama – Chief Risk Officer, CIB Kenya Limited
- Jaine Mwai – Chief Technology & Operations Officer, Standard Chartered Kenya
- Joel K. Busienei – Head of ICT/CIO, Consolidated Bank of Kenya
- Jennifer Kamoni – General Manager, Diaspora Banking, HFC Kenya
- Eunice Gatama – Group Executive General Manager, Digital Business, I&M Group PLC
- Kennedy Yegon – Deputy General Manager - Head of ICT, Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC)
- Richie Sobayeni – Group Head of Customer Experience Design, Equity Group
These industry experts explored cutting-edge financial technologies, AI-driven banking solutions, regulatory frameworks, and customer-centric banking innovations.
Honoring Innovation & Excellence in Banking
A key highlight of the Connected Banking Summit 2025 was the Innovation & Excellence Awards East Africa 2025, recognizing top-performing financial institutions and visionary leaders for their remarkable contributions to the banking sector.
🏆 Institutional Excellence Awards
- Excellence in Customer Experience – Family Bank
- Excellence in Digital Channels – Diamond Trust Bank Kenya
- Excellence in Inclusive Banking – CIB Kenya Ltd
- Excellence in Financial Inclusion – Co-operative Bank of Kenya
- Best Bank in Product Innovation – I&M Bank Kenya Ltd
- Excellence in Corporate Banking – Stanbic Bank Kenya
- Excellence in Cash Management – Ecobank Kenya Ltd
- Best Islamic Bank of the Year – Gulf African Bank
- Excellence in Customer Satisfaction – ABC Bank Kenya
- Excellence in Sustainable Finance – KCB Bank Kenya Ltd
- Excellence in Asset Finance – NCBA Bank Kenya
- Excellence in Digital Banking – Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
- Excellence in Investment Banking – Absa Bank Kenya Plc
- Excellence in Payments Processing – UBA Kenya
- Excellence in Mortgage Finance – HFC Limited
- Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Bank of Africa Kenya Ltd
- Best Bank in Kenya – Equity Bank Kenya
- Excellence in Payment Innovation – Access Bank (Kenya) PLC
🏅 Individual Excellence Awards
- Microfinance Bank of the Year – Kenya Women Microfinance Bank Plc
- Microfinance CEO of the Year – Dr. Jennifer Riria
- CISO of the Year – Thelma Kganakga
- CDO of the Year – Hartnell Ndungi
- CEO of the Year – Dr. James Mwangi
- Outstanding Leadership in Banking – Mary Mulili
The awards celebrated organizations and individuals leading in financial inclusion, digital transformation, and customer-centric banking solutions.
Women in Tech: Breaking Barriers in Finance & Innovation
In recognition of International Women’s Day, the Connected Banking Summit 2025 hosted an exclusive session titled:
"Empowering Women in Tech: Pioneering the Future of Banking in Africa."
Key Discussion Topics:
- Bridging the Digital Gender Divide – Strategies for increasing female participation in banking and fintech.
- Innovative Solutions by Women in Fintech – Showcasing groundbreaking initiatives led by women.
- Mentorship & Leadership – The role of mentorship in fostering female tech leaders.
- Overcoming Challenges – Addressing institutional and societal barriers in the financial sector.
Featured Panelists:
- Mary Mulili – MD/CEO, UBA Kenya
- Anne Muraya – CEO, Deloitte East Africa
- Makabelo Malumane – MD & Head of Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered
- Lilian Odhiambo – Acting Country Managing Director, UBA Kenya
- Nyambura Ndung’u – Head of Customer Experience, SBM Bank Kenya
- Moderator: Mohammed Thoufiq Ulla Khan, VP, Strategic Partnerships, ICSA
This inspirational session reinforced the importance of gender diversity and inclusion in shaping a future where women take center stage in financial leadership and technological innovation.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors & Media Partners
The Connected Banking Summit 2025 was made possible through the generous support of leading sponsors and media partners.
🏆 Official Sponsors & Partners:
- Lead Sponsor – Kaspersky
- Networking Sponsor – LexisNexis Risk Solutions
- Banking Partner – Access Bank PLC
- Gold Sponsor – FPG Technologies
A huge thank you to our media partners for amplifying the summit’s insights across Africa and beyond.
A Look to the Future: The Next Chapter in Banking Excellence
The 20th Edition Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2025 has firmly positioned itself as East Africa’s premier platform for thought leadership, financial innovation, and banking transformation.
As we look ahead, we invite industry stakeholders to join us for the 21st Edition in Southern Africa as we continue to redefine the future of banking.
Stay tuned for more updates on the next edition of the Connected Banking Summit!
For partnerships, media inquiries, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Contact Us for Queries
· Mohammed Thoufiq
· Phone: +44 20 3808 8625
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