About
Africa’s fintech ecosystem is evolving rapidly driven by digital leadership, regulatory innovation, and emerging technologies. To help shape this transformation, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in partnership with 10x1000 Tech for Inclusion, a philanthropic initiative launched by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and Ant Group is pleased to present the first session in the new series: “Unlocking Africa’s Fintech Potential Through Digital Leadership.”
This webinar series is organized for the Africa Fintech Network (AFN) community and aims to accelerate digital transformation and financial inclusion across Africa by connecting thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers in the fintech ecosystem.
Session 1
Blockchain and Crypto Adoption: The New Normal in African Fintech
This session explores how blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies are reshaping Africa’s financial landscape enhancing financial inclusion, promoting transparency, and transforming cross-border payments.
Webinar Details
Date: October 22, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM (GMT+3)
Opening Remarks
- Mactar Seck, Chief of Emerging and Frontier Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section, ECA
- Dr. Patrick Conteh, CEO, Africa FinTech Network
Moderator
- Benazeer Saïdoo, CEO, Mauritius Africa FinTech Hub
Speakers
- Abdallah Mukalled, Senior Policy Manager, Ripple MEA
Topic: African Crypto Regulation, Global Trends & Blockchain’s Role in Financial Inclusion - Dominic Kapalu, Chairman, Business Regulatory Review Agency, Zambia
Topic: Crypto Adoption in Remittances, Payments, and Inclusion - Sida Zheng, Co-founder, Rosen (China/US)
Topic: Stablecoin Commercialization, Cross-Border Payments, and Crypto in Africa’s Gig Economy
Session 2
AI-Powered Credit Scoring and Lending: Revolutionizing Access to Finance
This session delves into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the credit landscape in Africa by enabling fairer, faster, and more inclusive access to financial services. The discussion will highlight AI-driven credit scoring models, alternative data usage, and innovations helping bridge the lending gap for individuals and SMEs across the continent.
Webinar Details
Date: December 18, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM (GMT+3)
Recording: Session 2 - AI Powered Credit Scoring and Lending Revolutionizing Access to Finance
Moderator
- Yared Endale (General Manager Eastern Africa, Visa): Cashless payments, digital banking implementation, fintech transformation in Africa
Speakers
- Sanjay G. Mungur (Founder & CEO, FinClub): SME digital financing, AI-powered risk assessment, P2P lending innovation
- Shailesh Mali (Senior Vertical Solutions Consultant at LexisNexis Risk Solutions): AI in African fintech, risk management & compliance
- Bo Zheng (General Manager of AI, MYbank): Latest AI breakthroughs in lending, SME/consumer finance in China
The session includes an interactive panel discussion and live Q&A, giving you the opportunity to engage directly with thought leaders and gain actionable insights for your work and studies.
Session 3
Generative AI for Finance: Transforming Customer Experience and Operations
This webinar will explore the transformative impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on the financial services sector, marking 2026 as a pivotal turning point where GenAI transitions from “technology pilots” to “value at scale.” Driven by the maturity of AI-native architectures, the widespread application of AI Agents, and new paradigms of human-machine collaboration, the session will showcase how GenAI is fundamentally reshaping customer experience and operational efficiency.
Experts will dissect real-world applications and strategic shifts, from hyper-personalized services and intelligent interactions to automated back-office processes and next-generation risk management. Key topics will include the business case for AI-native core systems, navigating new AI-driven threats, and the organizational and talent transformation required to thrive in this new era.
Webinar Details
Date: April 9, 2026
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM (GMT+3)
Moderator:
- Bahta Mamo Bekele (Programme Coordinator, Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Division (TICID), UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA))
Featured Speakers
- Jake Xue (Head of Global Business Service & Support, Ant International)
- Okechi Awujo (Director of Technology and Engineering, AI in Nigeria)
The session features an interactive panel discussion and live Q&A, providing you the chance to engage directly with industry experts and gain practical insights to apply in your work or studies.
Why Attend
- Gain expert insights into emerging fintech trends shaping Africa’s financial future.
- Understand evolving regulatory frameworks, technologies, and opportunities.
- Connect with leading policymakers, fintech innovators, and digital finance practitioners.
For more information, please contact:
- Melat Haile – melat.haile@un.org
- Bahta Mamo – bahta.bekele@un.org