African Leaders Canvass For Stronger Digital Finance Systems

Finance leaders across Africa have called for accelerated investment in digital finance infrastructure to expand financial inclusion and improve cross-border payments.

This is has finance leaders, regulators, investors, fintech executives, and corporate stakeholders gathered in Lagos for the 6th Africa Finance Festival 2026 gala. Hosted by InstinctWave and CFO Magazine, the event focused on digital finance, trade growth, innovation, and Africa’s economic future.

The Group CEO of InstinctWave, Akin Naphtal, described the festival as a leading platform for finance leadership and economic dialogue in Africa. “Over the course of the festival, we have had the privilege of hearing from outstanding keynote speakers, panelists, regulators, investors, and finance executives,” he said.

THe noted that the awards were created to honor institutions and professionals driving innovation, discipline, and impact across Africa’s finance sector. Director of Finance at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Bernice Armah-Ampofo, highlighted barriers facing exporters and SMEs across Africa.
She stated that accessing trade finance is cumbersome, and the thresholds are quite high for SMEs, citing high capital costs, currency volatility, fragmented regulations, and weak cross-border payment systems as key challenges.

She urged stakeholders to leverage the fintech ecosystem to close gaps in trade finance and payments through stronger regional collaboration.
The event also reflected the growing role of digital payments in Africa’s financial system. GSMA data shows mobile money transactions reached over $2.3 trillion globally in 2025, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for about two-thirds of total value, driven by rapid adoption across markets.
The figures underline how mobile platforms continue to expand access to financial services and support discussions on cross-border trade and financial inclusion raised during the event. Beyond the formal speeches, the event also created room for business networking and collaboration among attendees. Guests participated in interactive networking sessions designed to encourage new industry connections before the award presentations later in the evening.
Sponsors including MTN Nigeria, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, and other participating organisations maintained strong visibility throughout the gala. Naphtal said, “our vision remains bold, to continue to build the Africa Finance Festival into one of Africa’s most influential platforms for finance leadership, policy dialogue, innovation, and economic transformation.”

(LEADERSHIP)