Africa Banking Forum 2026 highlights shift toward inclusive and resilient financial models

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

The 17th edition of the Africa Banking Forum has underscored a significant shift in the continent’s financial sector, with industry leaders calling for more resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven banking models.

Held in Kinshasa, the forum brought together key stakeholders, including central bank officials, commercial bank executives, and financial sector leaders, to examine the evolution of banking in a context of economic volatility.

The Congolese Association of Banks (ACB), represented by its President, Marie-Gabrielle K., participated in a high-level panel discussion focused on the transformation of traditional banking models. The session explored how financial institutions are adapting to changing economic realities and technological disruption.

The opening session featured the Vice-Governor of the Central Bank of Congo, alongside the managing directors of Bank of Africa and Trust Merchant Bank, while the Governor of the Central Bank of Congo took part in the closing proceedings.

Discussions highlighted a transition from transaction-focused banking toward models that prioritize financing the real economy, expanding financial inclusion, and strengthening institutional resilience. Participants emphasized the role of digital transformation in enabling this shift, particularly through the expansion of access to financial services, improved traceability of financial flows, and enhanced customer engagement.

Key priorities identified during the forum included deeper integration of banks into economic ecosystems through value chain financing, diversification of portfolios to support small and medium-sized enterprises, and the adoption of robust risk management and governance frameworks.

Stakeholders also stressed the growing importance of collaboration between banks, fintech companies, and electronic money operators. This evolving ecosystem reflects a complementary approach, where mobile money platforms facilitate access and transactions, fintech firms drive innovation and agility, and banks provide financial structuring, security, and capital.

Participants agreed that this convergence is critical to building a more inclusive and sustainable financial system capable of supporting economic growth across Africa.

The ACB reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the sector’s transformation by promoting an integrated financial ecosystem aligned with the development priorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo.