By 
Innovating Financial Services for a Digitally Inclusive Ethiopia
August 13, 2025 | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The 23rd Edition of the Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2025 is set to take place on August 13, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together key stakeholders from the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sectors to explore the future of digital banking in Ethiopia.
As Ethiopia advances toward its Digital Ethiopia 2025 vision, this summit serves as a premier platform to drive dialogue, partnerships, and strategies that foster financial inclusion and digital transformation.
This year’s theme, “Digitizing Economies: Driving Financial Inclusion for Sustainable Growth,” focuses on leveraging technology to overcome challenges such as limited digital infrastructure, adoption barriers, and cybersecurity risks—while promoting collaboration between financial institutions, fintech innovators, and policymakers.
Why Attend?
This landmark event promises:
- Pioneering insights into digital transformation strategies tailored to Ethiopia’s unique landscape.
- In-depth discussions on the rise of mobile banking and digital payments for financial inclusion.
- Strategies to build secure and resilient digital infrastructures.
- Opportunities for collaboration between banks, fintechs, and industry leaders to accelerate innovation.
Key Topics Include:
- Mobile Banking for Financial Inclusion
- Cyber Resilience Strategies
- AI and Chatbots in Customer Service
- The Digital Payments Revolution
- Open Banking and Fintech Collaborations
Featured Speakers:
We are proud to host a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:
- Dr. Yeshurun Alemayehu Adde (Kibret) – Former State Minister for ICT & Digital Economy, Ethiopia
- Mengistu Gemechu Worku – Director, Corporate Strategy Management and Transformation, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
- Temesgen Busha – Chief Transformation Officer, Awash Bank
- Makena Muriuki – Regional Account Director, Africa, Backbase
- Dr. Andualem Hailu – Deputy CEO – Strategy & Technology, Hibret Bank S.C
- Mekdes Bekele – Director, Digital Banking, Global Bank Ethiopia
- Amere Assefa – TBC
- Moses Munguti – Lead Technical Expert – East Africa, Kaspersky
- Brutawit Dawit Abdi – CEO, Wegagen Capital Investment Bank
- Shiferaw Lencho – Chief, Strategy and Operational Excellence Officer, Ethiopian Insurance Corporation
- Muluken Demessie – Chief Banking Operations Officer, NIB International Bank
- Ifa Abdisa – Executive Director – Digital Banking, Gadda Bank (TBC)
- Endalish Woldemichael – Vice President, Strategy & Innovation, Lion International Bank
- Fikru Tsegaye Wordofa – Vice President, Society of Insurance Professionals
- Hussen Amde – Chief, Digital Banking Operations Officer, Wegagen Bank
- Abdella Adem – Vice President, Banking Business, Zamzam Bank
- Temesgen Taye – Director, Cyber Security, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
- Biruk Worku – Director, IT Security, Abay Bank S.C
- Yonas Lemma – Director, IT Risk & Cyber Security, Hibret Bank
- Seyoum Damtew – VP, Information Security, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
- Haile Mekonnen – Division Manager for ESG/Sustainability, Wegagen Bank
Event Highlights:
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with C-suite executives, decision-makers, and BFSI leaders.
- Panel Discussions & Keynotes: Gain exclusive insights from industry experts.
- Showcasing Solutions: Explore the latest in banking technologies and digital tools.
Sponsors:
We are proud to be supported by our esteemed sponsors:
Kaspersky | Backbase
Be Part of the Conversation Shaping the Future of Ethiopia’s Financial Sector
For More Information and Registration
Visit the Connected Banking Summit website to register and learn more. Stay updated by following the summit on LinkedIn.
Contact Us for Queries:
- Mohammed Thoufiq
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +44 20 3808 8625
About the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA)
The International Center for Strategic Alliances is dedicated to organizing high-level events that foster innovation and collaboration within various industries. Our summits provide a platform for industry leaders to share knowledge, explore new ideas, and build strategic partnerships.
