One Africa, One FinTech Future: The Festival and Awards That Will Redefine Digital Finance

Africa is stepping into the global spotlight in 2025. This November, South Africa will host an unprecedented gathering that brings together two of the continent’s most influential platforms - the African FinTech Festival (AFF) and the South African FinTech Awards. For the first time, they will unite under one banner, creating a powerhouse celebration of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in financial technology.

The timing could not be more symbolic. The combined event takes place just days before the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Pretoria, ensuring the world’s eyes are firmly fixed on Africa’s digital economy. This is more than an industry conference or awards evening, it’s a bold statement that African fintech is ready to take its place at the centre of global conversations.

The Power of “One Africa”

The theme, “One Africa, One FinTech Future,” captures the vision. Over 2,000 delegates per day from more than 30 countries are expected, including startup founders, bank CEOs, investors, regulators, and policymakers. Together, they will explore how to build a more integrated, inclusive, and borderless financial ecosystem.

Technology is breaking down barriers across the continent, and fintech has become the driving force behind that transformation. From digital identity to cross-border payments, Africa is pioneering solutions that don’t just serve local markets, they are inspiring the world. In 2024 alone, African tech ventures attracted US $2.2 billion in investment, with fintech startups securing the lion’s share, underscoring investor confidence in homegrown

innovation.

Africa’s Premier Festival of Innovation

Since its launch in 2018, the African FinTech Festival has grown into the most important meeting point for the digital finance ecosystem. Past editions have attracted participants from over 100 countries, featuring high-level speakers from leading banks, fintech unicorns, development finance institutions, and global technology platforms.

One Africa

The 2025 edition, hosted in South Africa, will go even further. Expect a dynamic programme of keynote addresses, thought-provoking debates, hands-on workshops, and curated networking designed to generate real outcomes, from regulatory alignment to pilot partnerships and new investment flows. The Festival’s diversity is its strength: it is the only platform where startups share the stage with central banks, venture capitalists, telcos, and global policy leaders.

Celebrating South Africa’s Excellence

Running alongside the Festival, the South African FinTech Awards 2025 will shine a spotlight on the country’s most innovative companies and individuals. This exclusive gala dinner will bring together 350 of the most influential leaders in banking, payments, insurance, crypto, and investment.

Twelve prestigious award categories will recognise achievement across areas such as digital banking, payments, regtech, financial inclusion, green finance, and entrepreneurship. With its independent judging panel and “no pay-to-win” policy, the Awards have already become a trusted symbol of credibility in a crowded marketplace. For nominees and winners alike, it’s an opportunity to gain recognition on both a national and continental stage.

Why This Moment Matters

The combination of the Festival and the Awards creates a platform unlike any other. It is not only about celebrating excellence, but about shaping the future. Africa’s fintech sector is entering a decisive decade, one defined by the African Continental Free Trade Area’s Digital Trade Protocol, rising foreign investment, and the drive for deeper cross-border collaboration.

FINASA

For sponsors and partners, this is the chance to engage with decision-makers from across the value chain, showcase breakthrough technologies, and align with the fastest-growing fintech ecosystem in the world. Whether through keynote visibility, curated networking, or award sponsorships, the opportunities for brand leadership are unparalleled.

Africa’s FinTech Moment

The world is watching. The combined African FinTech Festival and South African FinTech Awards is more than an event, it’s a declaration that Africa’s time is now. With innovation as the backbone and collaboration as the engine, the continent is ready to write the next chapter in global digital finance.

As the theme declares: One Africa, One FinTech Future.