3i Africa Summit Driving Fintech Integration and Policy Coordination Across Continent – BoG
Owuraku Asare, Head of Fintech and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana, has highlighted the growing momentum toward an integrated digital financial ecosystem across Africa, citing progress made through the 3i Africa Summit platform.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 edition of the 3i Africa Summit in Accra on Tuesday, March 24, Mr Asare noted that the initiative has, since its inception, played a pivotal role in shaping continental dialogue around fintech development anchored on innovation, investment and impact.
According to him, the maiden summit held in 2024 attracted over 8,000 participants and sparked “a serious continental conversation to unleash Africa’s fintech and digital potential.”
He further indicated that the 2025 policy forum advanced efforts toward regulatory harmonisation and interoperable financial frameworks, laying the groundwork for improved cross-border financial integration across the continent.
“It began the process of enabling Africa’s 54 countries with 42 distinct currencies to begin speaking to each other in a common digital financial language,” he stated, adding that the forum also underscored the importance of stronger coordination between public policy and private sector innovation.
Mr Asare announced that the 2026 summit, scheduled to take place from May 6 to May 8 at the Destiny Arena in Accra, will mark the next phase of Africa’s digital financial transformation agenda.
He revealed that this year’s edition will introduce a Next Gen Talent and Careers Forum aimed at equipping young professionals and students with relevant skills while connecting them with industry leaders.
“This initiative will deepen expertise and connect young professionals and students with industry pioneers, ensuring Africa’s next generation is equipped not only with skills, but with opportunities to drive our digital future,” he said.
The summit is expected to convene Heads of State, Central Bank Governors, fintech executives, institutional investors, technology and AI leaders, as well as research institutions.
Mr Asare expressed confidence that the gathering will help unlock opportunities to transform financial services and expand access across the continent.
“We strongly believe that together, we can unlock opportunities that will not only transform financial services but also empower millions across the continent,” he noted.
He further called for collective efforts to position Africa more prominently within the global fintech ecosystem.
“Let us amplify Africa’s voice in the global fintech conversation. Together, we will make the 3i Africa Summit 2026 the landmark continental event that drives innovation, attracts investment, and delivers impact across Africa and beyond,” he added.
