‘African Fintech Unconference 2018 to provide platform for discussion’ [Updated]

The second annual African Fintech Unconference (AFU18) — set to take place next month — will provide an important platform for discussion and information sharing — Vahid Monadjem, the CEO of fintech company Nomanini said today.

The conference is being convened by African fintech companies Nomanini (South Africa), MFS Africa (South Africa) and Tugende (Uganda). It will be held on 25 and 26 September 2018 at the Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch.

As with the inaugural African Fintech Unconference held in March last year, this year’s unconference agenda will be guided by African fintech innovators, thought leaders and entrepreneurs.

In a press release today,  the three companies said unlike traditional conference formats, the unconference creates a space for open, dynamic dialogue and valuable interactions.

‘The African Fintech Unconference will provide an important platform for discussion and information sharing’

According to advisory firm PwC, cumulative investment in global fintech could well exceed $150-billion within the next three to five years.

Given the current innovations emerging from the African continent, major portions of this projected investment could be directed towards African fintech projects.

AFU 2017 attracted 90 participants from around the globe, with attendees including officials from various banks (Ecobank, Fidelity Bank), funders (the Mastercard Foundation, IFC, USAID), fintech innovators (MFS Africa, Interpay) and thought leaders (Digital Frontiers Institute, BFA, Caribou Digital), among others.

“Given that the fintech landscape is still an emerging one, with many new players vying for attention, it is important to promote dialogue and to create transparent, long lasting relationships,” noted Michael Wilkerson, founder and CEO of Tugende, which finances income-generating assets for proven entrepreneurs.

“This is precisely why we believe AFU18 is such an important event for the industry, and we encourage all stakeholders to attend.”

For more information and to register for AFU18 visit www.africanfintechunconference.com.

Featured image: Participants pictured at last year’s inaugural African Fintech Unconference (Supplied)

Editor’s note (18 September 2018): Four early-stage startups have been awarded scholarships to attend AFU18. The recipients are Rafode executive director Antony Mayodi,  Inclusive CEO Paul Damalie, Musanga Logistics CEO Njavwa Mutambo and Speedy Tuk Tuk CEO Hayden Roney.