As the countdown begins, Johannesburg prepares to host one of the most anticipated gatherings in the financial services sector — the 21st Edition Connected Banking Summit Innovation & Excellence Awards 2025 – Southern Africa, taking place on May 21, 2025.

Hosted under the theme “Shaping the Future of Banking in Southern Africa: Innovation, Connectivity, and Financial Resilience,” the summit will bring together visionaries and industry leaders from banking, fintech, financial services, and regulatory bodies to chart a progressive roadmap for the region’s financial ecosystem.

This year’s edition is especially notable, with a distinguished speaker lineup that includes:

• Sonwabo M. Mdwaba – Founder, Chairperson, and President, Pan African Information Communication Technology Association (PAICTA)
• Danielle Lambert – Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Bankers South Africa
• Doreen Mokoena – CEO & CISO, Cybersec Clinique
• Kumaran Selvarajalu – Senior General Manager: Payments Division, The Banking Association South Africa
• Bongane Sibanyoni – Executive Head: Corporate & Investment Banking Compliance & Governance, Nedbank
• Amenda Makhetha – Executive: Group Head Data Privacy and Protection, FirstRand Bank
• Chipo Mushwana – Executive for Emerging Payments & Innovation, Nedbank Group
• Shanice Gounden – Strategy & Research Manager, Payments Association of South Africa
• Dolly Mphahlele – Head of BI, FirstRand Group Treasury
• Dido wa Kalonji – Chief Information Officer, FNB Eswatini
•  Dr. Mark Nasila – Chief Data and Analytics Officer, First National Bank
• Luntente Ndyamba – Regional Lead & Director: CIB Service Efficiency & Process Operations, Absa Corporate & Investment Bank
• Irene Embi Akiy – Executive Head: Digital, Data and Analytics, Old Mutual Africa Region
• Satish Babu – Principal Engineer, Standard Bank
• Nkosana Thato Roda – Head: Payments Platform Services, Standard Bank Group
• Sam Nkosi – Chief Information Officer, Santam Insurance

Why Attend?

This dynamic summit will feature cutting-edge sessions including:

• Keynotes, Panels & Fireside Chats exploring the evolving digital banking landscape.
• Insights on emerging trends such as AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, digital identity, and open banking.
• Cross-sector collaboration to address challenges in financial inclusion, cross-border transactions, and digital infrastructure.
• Exceptional networking opportunities with senior executives, regulators, and fintech innovators.

Key Topics Include:

• Digital Banking Transformation & Customer Experience
• Strengthening Cybersecurity in Financial Services
• AI, Data Analytics, and Personalization in Banking
• Financial Inclusion through Mobile and Agent Banking
• Open Banking & Strategic Fintech Collaborations

Innovation & Excellence Awards 2025

In recognition of outstanding contributions and breakthroughs in the Southern African financial sector, the summit will host the Innovation & Excellence Awards Ceremony, honoring organizations and leaders shaping the future of finance in the region.