As Africa embraces innovative initiatives to enhance its payments landscape, financial infrastructure is playing an increasingly important role in driving regional economic development. Central banks across the continent are actively working to make local markets more attractive to both regional and international investors. In doing so, they are deepening engagement with regional and global payment systems, strengthening financial infrastructure, and promoting the use of local currency finance.
At the same time, Ministries of Finance are taking bold steps to implement progressive policies that support banks and the wider financial ecosystem. Through decisive action and closer collaboration, African policymakers are working together to advance the integration of pan-African financial systems. This collective effort is helping to promote greater stability, economic growth and sustainable development.
As discussions around the future of payments and foreign exchange infrastructure continue to intensify, cross-border payment systems are increasingly being recognised as key drivers of Africa’s economic transformation. Greater collaboration within the banking and financial services sectors is essential to support interoperability between domestic and international payment systems. In addition, the rapid deployment of advanced technologies is accelerating the modernisation of the continent’s financial landscape.
Engaging with key stakeholders, including central banks, finance ministries and commercial banks, is crucial to shaping the future of Africa’s payments ecosystem. By fostering ongoing dialogue, the financial community plays an important role in facilitating the integration of African payment systems into the global economy.
This significant dialogue is taking place on the sidelines of the African Development Bank’s Annual Meetings, ensuring strong participation from all key players and stakeholders working towards the development of a robust and resilient financial infrastructure for the continent.
Keynote Speakers
H.E. Dr. Natu Mwamba
Permanent Secretary - Treasury | Ministry of Finance, United Republic of Tanzania
H.E. Dr. Kenny Kalyalya
Governor | Bank of Zambia
Moderator
Pedro Besugo
Head of Business Development | Invest Africa
Speakers
Charles Mangin
Global Head of Trading | Crown Agents Bank
Boma Raballa
Chief Commercial Officer | CRDB Bank
Ibrahim Traore
Chief Information Officer | Vistabank