Swift Connect Africa
Overview
Connecting Africa and the future of finance
We’re bringing the African financial community together at the Noom Hotel Dakar Sea Plaza in Dakar, Senegal between 14 - 15 May 2025.
Under the theme of ‘Connecting Africa and the future of finance’. expert speakers will explore the challenges and opportunities facing the African payments sector, and there will be plenty of opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing.
We’ll also be holding information sessions before the conference on 13 May. These will dive into how Swift is supporting its community to improve the payments experience and powering transparent transactions end to end, as well as covering the basics of Swift to enable you to make the most of your membership.
With keynotes, panels, and workshops featuring industry leaders, there’s so much to discover at Swift Connect Africa.
Swift Connect Africa
Event
Programme
Wednesday 14 May.
Welcome address to Day 1 - Delivering instant and frictionless transactions in Africa and beyond
As Swift Connect Africa opens, our team will welcome the delegation.
They'll set the scene for two days of collaboration, networking and debate as we dive deep into cross-border payments in Africa and around the world.
Opening keynote
Challenges and opportunities in payments
What does data from the Swift network tell us?
Explore the key challenges and opportunities facing the continent’s payments sector, from current trends and customer expectations to market initiatives, ongoing digitisation and technology developments.
Networking break
Swift breakout sessions
Four sessions running concurrently and led by Swift experts. These will be run twice on Day 1 so that you can attend two sessions of your choice. All sessions are offered in English and French.
· Improving the payments experience with Swift
· End-to-end tracking: powering payment transactions
· Interoperability: the foundation for future payments
· What's Swift all about?
Networking lunch
Afternoon introduction
Ahead of afternoon sessions on Day 1, take a look at what's in store as we continue exploring cross-border payments in Africa and globally.
A banking view: connecting the world and overcoming fragmentation
Ensuring greater interoperability and connectivity is integral to achieving instant and frictionless payment transactions worldwide.
Join this expert banking panel looking at priorities and developments with a focus on Africa.
Speakers


Ellen Kumwenda
Mireille Chieyum Kamga
Mike Ogbalu III
The role of mobile money in cross-border transactions
Africa is at the forefront of mobile payments, having seen vast growth in digital wallet usage.
Hear from industry leaders on how Africa can leverage this for greater harmonisation in international transactions.
Networking break
Swift breakout sessions
Four sessions running concurrently and led by Swift experts. These will be run twice on Day 1 so that you can attend two sessions of your choice. All sessions are offered in English and French.
· Improving the payments experience with Swift
· End-to-end tracking: powering payment transactions
· Interoperability: the foundation for future payments
· What's Swift all about?
Closing address
Rounding off Day 1, our team will cover the key moments, plus preview what’s to come.
If you are joining the evening’s gala dinner, we will also provide details here.
Thursday 15 May.
Welcome to Day 2 - Shaping the future of payments
Take a look ahead to what's in store on Day 2, as we work collectively towards an instant and frictionless future, in Africa and around the world.
Keynote address
Speakers


Dr Robert Ochola
Future proofing the financial ecosystem
How can we ensure greater efficiency and security and enhanced customer experiences?
Join this session to look at how innovation and collaboration can help us future proof the financial ecosystem.
Speakers


Naima Yusuf
Networking break
Payments in 2035: a vision for the next decade
What will payments look like in ten years' time? Be part of this interactive session as panellists and delegates chart a course for the future of payments, in Africa and globally.
Speakers
David Backshall
Thairu Ndungu


May Okail Wafa
Networking lunch
Afternoon introduction
Join our team as they take us through the final phase of the conference, with further opportunities to connect and collaborate.
Big data and analytics: a tool for smarter strategies?
Big data brings the promise of improved compliance and analytics, along with increased efficiency and innovation. Can the latest AI technology help make this a reality? Gain insights from an esteemed panel on how to make data work harder.
Swift breakout sessions
Four sessions running concurrently and led by Swift experts. All sessions are offered in English and French.
· Improving the payments experience with Swift
· End-to-end tracking: powering payment transactions
· Interoperability: the foundation for future payments
· What's Swift all about?
Networking break
A blueprint for the economy: unleashing Africa's potential
Africa is home to an abundance of expertise and resources, which together with a young demographic and a commitment to innovation, are drivers of its financial sector. Join this discussion focusing on what's needed to fuel economic growth.
Closing remarks
As Swift Connect Africa 2025 comes to a close, our team will gather the delegation for a look at conference highlights, drawing together key learnings and takeaways for our ongoing collaboration.
Speakers
Discover
Book your pass
A full conference pass is available for 800€ + VAT, giving you access to all sessions, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities.
Secure your spot today and make the most of everything the conference has to offer!
Sponsoring
Swift Connect Africa is a leading event set to bring together up to 500 financial services professionals. It brings opportunities to increase your firm’s visibility, raise awareness of your brand, and build relationships with new and existing clients.
If you’re interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at Swift Connect Africa, reach out to us.