Luanda, Angola, will host the 2026 Africa Financial Summit (AFIS) on November 3 and 4, bringing together more than 1,250 players from across the continent’s financial sector.
The summit, organised by Jeune Afrique Media Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), will be held in Southern Africa for the first time, marking a new chapter in the event’s efforts to connect Africa’s financial ecosystems.
The gathering will bring together banks, insurers, fintech companies, regulators, investors, pension funds and other financial-sector stakeholders for discussions on the future of African finance.
According to organisers, the summit will focus on strengthening financial integration across the continent amid a global financing environment marked by limited access to capital.
Key priorities for AFIS 2026 will include mobilising local resources, advancing continental financial integration, accelerating digital transformation and strengthening African financial institutions.
Angola Positions Itself as Emerging Financial Hub
The choice of Luanda comes as Angola undertakes reforms aimed at transforming its economy and financial sector.
The country is working to modernise its banking industry, strengthen financial regulation, expand digital financial services and support economic diversification.
The growing role of the Angola Stock Exchange and Derivatives (BODIVA), increased openness to international investors and Angola’s membership in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) free trade area are also highlighted as factors supporting the country’s emergence as a financial hub.
Manuel Antonio Tiago Dias, Governor of the National Bank of Angola, described AFIS as a strategic platform for bringing together the continent’s financial ecosystem to address major challenges facing African economies.
Kenyan Financial Leaders Among Speakers
The 2026 summit will feature senior financial and public-sector leaders from across Africa.
Confirmed speakers include IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop; African Development Bank President Sidi Ould Tah; Angola’s Minister of Finance Vera Daves de Sousa; and senior officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea and Gabon.
Kenya will be represented by Capital Markets Authority CEO Wyckliffe Shamiah and Britam Group CEO Tom Gitogo.
Other confirmed speakers include Coura Carine Sène, Regional Director of Wave Mobile Money Group; Cristina Dias Lourenço, CEO of BODIVA; Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, Governor of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO); and Serge Ekué, President of the West African Development Bank (BOAD).
Focus on Financing Africa’s Growth
AFIS organisers say the summit will provide a platform for financial institutions, regulators, development organisations and public authorities to develop practical solutions aimed at strengthening Africa’s financial capacity.
The discussions will also examine ways of mobilising more domestic and international capital and directing it towards productive sectors.
Manuel Moses, CEO of the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATIDI), said domestic capital could play a greater role in financing productive sectors, particularly through local-currency transactions and partnerships that share risks.
IFC Regional Director Mary Porter Peschka said the World Bank Group mobilised $112 billion in private capital during FY26, arguing that stronger connections between investors and viable opportunities could help deepen Africa’s financial markets.
The summit will also provide opportunities for bilateral meetings, networking and the development of partnerships and transactions among participants.
AFIS 2026 will take place in Luanda on November 3 and 4, 2026.
