In an effort to bridge the gap between academic excellence and financial innovation, the first Fintech Academia Summit is set to take place at the Radisson Blu Airport, Abidjan, on Thursday, 16 and Friday, 17 November 2023, coinciding with the NEXT Fintech Forum.
The summit, organised under the theme “Harnessing the Convergence of Knowledge to Shape the Future of Financial Services,” promises to be a dynamic exchange platform bringing together African students and academics with a shared passion for financial technology.
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Designed to facilitate innovation, collaboration, and mutual learning, it is geared towards catalysing the digital transformation of the financial sector in Africa. By merging the expertise of academics and the innovative spirit of students, the event aims to collectively and responsibly shape the future of financial services in the region.
Organisers tell Ventureburn it will focus on several key areas to achieve its objectives:
Encouraging innovation and collaboration
One of the primary goals of the summit is to foster creativity and innovation among African students and researchers. By providing a conducive environment for idea exchange, the summit encourages students to share their projects related to digital finance. Moreover, it promotes collaboration between students and academics, stimulating the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experience.
Enhancing skills and raising awareness
The Fintech Academia Summit offers valuable opportunities for learning and skill development. Practical sessions and workshops will allow participants to develop technical and entrepreneurial skills essential for success in the fintech industry. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness about inclusive finance, encouraging participants to propose initiatives addressing financial services access in rural areas and disadvantaged communities, particularly for women and young people.
Facilitating interdisciplinary exchange and exploring innovations
The summit emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration by bringing together students and teachers from diverse academic disciplines such as finance, computer science, mathematics, marketing, law, and more. Participants will explore the latest trends in fintech, including topics like blockchain, artificial intelligence, digital payments, big data, and decentralised finance (DeFi).
Promoting responsibility, research, and partnerships
Promoting ethical practices in fintech is a key focus, with discussions on issues such as data protection, cybersecurity, and regulation. Additionally, the summit supports applied research by awarding research grants to African academics for in-depth studies on relevant topics. Partnerships between students, researchers, fintech start-ups, industry experts, and financial institutions will be actively promoted.
Interactive sessions and networking opportunities
Renowned experts in fintech will share their knowledge through interactive conferences, practical sessions, and workshops. Participants will engage in discussions on key issues, present their projects, and receive constructive feedback from professors and peers.
The summit will also offer dedicated networking opportunities, allowing attendees to build connections with industry professionals and fellow academics and students.
The Fintech Academia Summit 2023 is open to teachers, researchers, students, fintech professionals, investors, financial institutions, government agencies, and international organisations, offering a unique platform to shape the future of financial services in Africa. Through collaboration, innovation, and responsible practices, the summit aims to pave the way for a more inclusive and technologically advanced financial landscape on the continent.
