The 28th Connected Banking Summit: Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026 – Southern Africa, organized by the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), is set for July 8, 2026, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The summit, themed "Shaping the Future of Banking in Southern Africa: Innovation, Connectivity, and Financial Resilience," aims to foster a secure, inclusive, and resilient financial ecosystem in the region.

Southern Africa is experiencing rapid digital transformation, with over 60% internet penetration and mobile adoption exceeding 100%. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges, including infrastructure limitations, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory complexities. The summit will address these issues by bringing together leaders from banking and fintech sectors to explore technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and open banking, aiming to harness their potential while ensuring security and trust.

Through collaborative discussions and knowledge sharing, the Connected Banking Summit seeks to empower individuals, businesses, and institutions to thrive in a digitally enabled world, redefining the future of Southern Africa's financial sector.