2025 AGENDA

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ETHIOPIAN BANKING: INNOVATION, INCLUSION & GROWTH

0800 - 0900

Registration & Networking

0900 - 0905

Opening Remarks

0905 - 0920

PRESENTATION

From Old to Gold: Navigating the Legacy System Migration Journey

Speaker(s):

Toms Jansons, Senior Card Product Manager, Tietoevry Banking

0920 - 0950

PANEL DISCUSSION

Transforming Ethiopian Banking: A Digital Odyssey

Ethiopia's banking sector is undergoing a digital transformation, driven by government initiatives like the National Digital Payments Strategy (NDPS) and Fayda, the national digital ID. This panel will explore how banks can leverage these initiatives and emerging technologies to expand financial inclusion, navigate regulatory changes, and partner with fintechs to address challenges like infrastructure limitations and financial literacy gaps. The discussion will also examine opportunities and challenges for Ethiopian banks in adopting digital-only or hybrid neobanking models.

What strategies can banks adopt to overcome infrastructure challenges and extend mobile and internet banking to underserved communities?
How can Ethiopian banks align innovation with regulatory compliance and competition from fintechs to navigate an evolving financial landscape?
What role can emerging technologies play in addressing systemic challenges like access to credit and financial literacy?
How can banks leverage Fayda to streamline onboarding processes, enhance KYC compliance, and drive financial inclusion in Ethiopia?
How can banks leverage the NDPS to build an inclusive ecosystem that integrates payments with broader financial services?
What opportunities and challenges do Ethiopian banks face in adopting digital-only or hybrid neobanking models, and how can they address them?

Moderator(s):

Takeshi Oikawa, Managing Director, Nairobi Office, BCG

Speaker(s):

Nejib Aliyi, Director - Digital Services & Transformation, ZamZam Bank
Feven Bulbula, Director, National ID Ethiopia
Mengistu Endalamaw, Digital Banking Director, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
Andualem Hailu, Deputy CEO - Strategy & Tech, Hibret Bank
Pavan Verma, CEO, Redian Software

0950 - 1005

PRESENTATION

How Bank Issuers Can Deliver Hyper-personalised Experience at Fintech Speed

Speaker(s):

Norman Frankel, Chief Growth Officer, Stanchion Payment Solutions

1005 - 1020

PRESENTATION

Embracing innovation: Modernising Legacy Systems to Accelerate Digital Transformation and Market Agility

Speaker(s):

Adil Ahmed, VP & Deputy MD, MEA, Compass Plus Technologies

1020 - 1050

PANEL DISCUSSION

Building a Cash-Lite Economy: Ethiopia’s Digital Payments Journey

With a focus on optimising the impact of digital payments across various sectors and populations, this panel will examine practical strategies for creating a more inclusive and robust financial ecosystem in Ethiopia. This exploration will encompass overcoming infrastructure gaps, promoting financial literacy among diverse communities, and leveraging innovative technologies to enhance the security and affordability of remittances as Ethiopia advances towards a digital economy.

What are the key challenges to achieving interoperability in Ethiopia’s payment systems, and how can collaboration between stakeholders drive solutions?
How can agent banking and mobile POS terminals address infrastructure gaps to expand financial inclusion in rural and underserved areas?
What role do digital payment systems play in formalising cross-border remittances and increasing Ethiopia’s foreign financial inflows?
What culturally sensitive financial literacy strategies can accelerate digital payment adoption among rural and marginalised communities?
What strategies can banks employ to capitalise on mobile money growth and QR code adoption, driving Ethiopia's transition into a cash-lite economy?
What technologies and partnerships can transform remittances, making them more secure, affordable, and accessible for Ethiopians?

Speaker(s):

Mitiku Adeb, Director, Digital Banking, Tsehay Bank
Pierre Aurel, Chief Product Officer, Stanchion Payment Solutions
Edgars Bīberis, Director of Sales & BD, MEA, Tietoevry Banking
Magi Erena, Director, VRO, Cooperative Bank of Oromia
Ifa Abdisa Horata, Director - Digital Banking, Gadaa Bank
Adissu Lodamo, Director, Digital Banking, Lion International Bank

1050 - 1105

PRESENTATION

Practical Magic: Applying Machine Learning to Mitigate Risks

Speaker(s):

Martin Golding, Chief Sales Officer, D8 Corporation

1105 - 1145

Coffee & Networking

1145 - 1200

PRESENTATION

Next Generation Banking - Moving from Potential to Performance

Speaker(s):

İbrahim Öztürk, EVP – Global Expansion, Strategy & Marketing, GTech

1200 - 1215

PRESENTATION

The Value Creation Challenge of Digital Transformation

Speaker(s):

Nebiyou Huluka, Project Leader, BCG

1215 - 1245

PANEL DISCUSSION

Delivering Customer-Centric Banking in Ethiopia

Ethiopia's financial institutions are embracing data and technology to enhance customer experiences and inclusivity. This panel will explore how banks can leverage data to craft personalised financial solutions, simplify onboarding through Fayda, foster trust in underserved rural areas, and create user-friendly digital platforms tailored to the diverse needs of Ethiopian customers.

How can banks harness data to provide personalised and inclusive financial products for Ethiopia’s underserved segments?
What steps can banks take to ensure a seamless and customer-centric onboarding experience for rural and unbanked populations?
What strategies can banks adopt to address trust deficits in rural areas and build stronger relationships with underserved communities?
How can Ethiopian banks improve service accessibility through agent banking and mobile units while focusing on the customer journey?
How can banks design intuitive and user-friendly digital platforms to meet the expectations of tech savvy youth and diaspora customers?
What tools or methods can banks use to measure and benchmark customer satisfaction, ensuring global standards of service delivery?

Speaker(s):

Ermoniem Berhanu Balcha, Head, Digital Banking Implemention, Berhan Bank
Mekdes Bekele, Digital Banking Director, Global Bank Ethiopia
Hajar Haddou, Marketing Manager, Adria B&T
Joseph Ongoro, Regional Sales Manager, HID Global
Masego Mosala, Solutions Engineer, Cloudera
Yohannes Tsegaye, Director - Customer Experience, Awash Bank

1245 - 1300

PRESENTATION

Lightbulb Moments with Adria

Speaker(s):

Mouad Laabassi, Pre-sales Manager, Adria B&T

1300 - 1315

PRESENTATION

Driving Digital Transformation in Banking and Finance: Leading the Way in Innovative Solutions

Speaker(s):

Bineyam Negash, CEO, Besys Technologies

1315 - 1415

Networking Break & VIP Lunch (invitation-only)

1415 - 1445

PANEL DISCUSSION

Reimagining Credit: Data-Driven Lending for a More Inclusive Ethiopia

Ethiopia's financial sector is embracing new possibilities to expand credit access as the nation undergoes a digital transformation. This panel will analyse the shift from traditional collateral-based lending to data-driven models, exploring how alternative data sources, fintech collaborations, and innovative digital solutions can unlock credit markets for underserved sectors. The discussion will also address the critical considerations of data privacy and regulatory frameworks.

How can Ethiopian banks transition from traditional collateral-based lending to data-driven models that expand credit access for underserved sectors?
What role do alternative data sources, such as mobile transactions, play in creating accurate credit scoring models for low-income populations?
How can banks and fintechs collaborate effectively to design targeted loan products, streamline lending, and unlock new credit markets?
What innovative digital lending models can tackle rural challenges, such as limited literacy, connectivity gaps and mistrust?
What infrastructure and technology investments are necessary for Ethiopian banks to implement and scale data-driven lending?
How can Ethiopian banks strike a balance between leveraging data for innovation and ensuring data privacy, transparency, and regulatory alignment?

Speaker(s):

Vinay Chaganti, Growth & Strategic Partnerships, RapidCanvas
Puneet Chopra, Chief Growth Officer, Yabx Technologies
Wubshet Mulugeta, Director, Digital Banking, Siinqee Bank
Emishaw Tefera, Executive Director - Digital & Agency Banking, Ahadu Bank

1445 - 1500

PRESENTATION

Lightbulb Moments with HID Global

Speaker(s):

Dami Adebari, Regional Sales Manager - Africa, HID Global

1500 - 1530

PANEL DISCUSSION

Navigating the Digital Frontier: Fortifying Cybersecurity in Ethiopian Banking

Recognising the increasing cyber threats accompanying Ethiopia's digital growth, this panel will bring together experts to discuss practical strategies for safeguarding financial stability. The discussion will highlight the value of collaboration with government entities like INSA, global cybersecurity standards adaptation, and specialised training programmes to build a secure digital future for Ethiopia's banking sector.

What are the most significant cyber threats facing Ethiopian banks today, and what strategies can they adopt to mitigate, preempt, and prevent them?
How can Ethiopian banks approach communication about cyber risks to build trust and ensure responsible data management practices?
How can Ethiopian banks harness the combined strengths of blockchain and artificial intelligence to respond to evolving cyber threats?
In what ways can partnerships with government entities like INSA help strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and enhance sector-wide resilience?
What specialised skills are required for cybersecurity professionals in the banking sector, and how can these be developed through targeted training programmes?
What global cybersecurity standards and frameworks are most relevant for Ethiopian banks, and how can they be adapted to fit local requirements?

Speaker(s):

Yonas Lemma, Director, IT Risk & Cybersecurity, Hibret Bank
Nuredin Mahmoud, A/CIO, Rammis Bank
Bineyam Negash, CEO, Besys Technologies
Biruk Worku, Director IT Security, Abay Bank

1530 - 1545

PRESENTATION

Global Trends in Payment Modernisation: Insights from Yethi

Speaker(s):

Amitava Sanyal , VP Sales, Yethi Consulting

1545 - 1600

NETWORKING

Coffee & Networking

1600 - 1630

CEO FIRESIDE CHAT

Banking Beyond Boundaries: Shaping Ethiopia’s Financial Future

This fireside chat offers a strategic perspective on the evolving role of banking leadership in Ethiopia's digital transformation. Participants will discuss how digitalisation is reshaping banking operations, customer relationships, and the competitive landscape. The conversation will highlight the role of leadership in fostering innovation, preparing for technological disruptions, and positioning banks as key drivers of Ethiopia’s economic growth.

Leadership in the Digital Age: How bank leaders can steer their institutions through digital transformation while maintaining stability?
Shaping Customer-Centric Digital Strategies: Exploring the leadership role in ensuring digital solutions meet diverse customer needs.
Future-Proofing Banks: How CEOs can prepare their organisations to adapt to rapid technological changes and global banking trends?
Building a Digital Workforce: Strategies for equipping employees with the skills needed to thrive in a digital banking ecosystem.
Leadership’s Role in Collaboration: How CEOs can foster partnerships between banks, technology providers, and regulators to drive sector-wide innovation?

Speaker(s):

Tadesse Hatiya, President, Sidama Bank
Takeshi Oikawa, Managing Director, Nairobi Office, BCG

1630 - 1700

PANEL DISCUSSION

Future-Proofing Ethiopia’s Banking Sector: Balancing Innovation and Stability

Ethiopia’s banking sector is at a pivotal point, with macroeconomic shifts and regulatory changes creating opportunities for growth and inclusion. This panel will examine these dynamic forces, focusing on how banks can leverage strategic investments, partnerships, and talent development to remain competitive, resilient, and aligned with Ethiopia’s broader economic vision for a future-ready financial ecosystem.

What macroeconomic and regulatory forces will shape the future of Ethiopia’s financial sector, and how can banks position themselves to remain competitive and resilient?
How can Ethiopian banks prepare for potential disruptions from global financial trends and competition from foreign players and neobanks?
What strategic investments and partnerships are critical for fostering innovation while ensuring long-term stability and growth?
How can the sector align with Ethiopia’s broader economic goals, such as Digital Ethiopia 2025, to create an inclusive and future-ready financial ecosystem?
What role does talent development play in driving digital transformation, and how can banks and the government collaborate to attract and retain skilled professionals?
What global best practices can Ethiopian banks adopt to balance innovation with resilience and navigate an increasingly interconnected financial landscape?
What global best practices can Ethiopian banks adopt to balance innovation with resilience and navigate an increasingly interconnected financial landscape?

Speaker(s):

Assefa Amere, Chief Information Officer, Addis International Bank
Tewodros Hailu, Director - Bank Transformation, Awash Bank
Hassen Mohammed, VP, Information System, Hijra Bank
Ermias Zewde, CIO, Tseday Bank

1700 - 1715

AWARDS

DigiBank Summit Awards

1715 - 1720

Closing Remarks and End of Summit

ETHIOPIA EDITION

3 FEBRUARY 2026, ADDIS ABABA

ETHIOPIA'S FLAGSHIP EVENT ON DIGITAL BANKING TRANSFORMATION

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