ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia— Ethiopia’s financial sector is accelerating its shift toward digital transformation, with banking executives, fintech leaders and regulators gathering Wednesday in Addis Ababa for the 23rd Connected Banking Summit.
The event, which also featured the Innovation & Excellence Awards 2025, brought together key players to discuss strategies shaping the future of banking in Ethiopia and across Africa, from cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to financial inclusion and digital identity.
In his opening address, Mohammed Thoufiq, vice president of strategic partnerships at ICSA, said innovation and financial inclusion are “critical drivers of Ethiopia’s economic growth.”
Dr. Yeshurun Alemayehu Adde, former state minister for ICT and the digital economy, stressed the importance of balancing innovation with regulation, while Brutawit Dawit Abdi, CEO of Wegagen Capital Investment Bank, said recent policy changes are “unlocking new opportunities” in the sector.
Discussions ranged from fintech-bank collaborations to the role of Islamic finance, the expansion of mobile banking and the risks of AI-driven cyberattacks. Panelists included senior executives from Awash Bank, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Zamzam Bank and the Ethiopian Insurance Corporation, among others.
Awards were also handed out to recognize industry leaders. The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia was named Bank of the Year, while its CEO, Abie Sano, was honored as CEO of the Year. Other winners included Dashen Bank for digital banking, Awash Bank for retail banking and Enat Bank for women’s empowerment.
Organizers said the summit reaffirmed its role as a leading platform for collaboration in digital finance. “From AI-powered solutions to identity-driven banking, the event provided actionable strategies to define Ethiopia’s digital future,” said Endalish Woldemichael, vice president for strategy and innovation at Lion International Bank.
The next edition of the Connected Banking Summit is scheduled for 2026, with organizers promising an expanded focus on sustainability and cross-border digital finance.
