By Business Insider Reporter
The financial technology world is turning its eyes to Tanzania as the international conference on New Trends in Financial Technology Innovations, also known as Fintech Festival Tanzania, officially kicks off today at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC).
Held over two days, June 12 and 13, the event is billed as the largest gathering of fintech professionals, investors, and innovators in East Africa, providing a high-level platform for the region’s fintech ecosystem to connect, collaborate, and co-create.
Under the theme of uniting the fintech spectrum, the festival aims to bring together key players from across the region to explore new trends, share insights, and drive forward the digital finance agenda.
Topics on the agenda include digital payments, financial inclusion, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence in finance, cybersecurity, and regulatory innovation.
The conference boasts an impressive speaker lineup, featuring a diverse group of regional and international thought leaders.
Among them is Kumar Pandya, the Chief Executive Officer of TAUR TECHNOLOGIES, who brings deep expertise in financial technology development.
Bernard Salia, Director and Founder of Bermi Techs, will share insights from his experience in driving tech-driven financial solutions. Representing the consulting sector, Lukelo Ngajilo, a Senior Associate at KPMG East Africa, will provide a perspective on regulatory frameworks and digital finance strategies.
From the United Arab Emirates, Jithesh Vadakkath (JV), Founder and CEO of FinSecureLabs Consultancy FZCO, will contribute international viewpoints on fintech security and innovation. Alexander Maira, Executive Managing Director of A-10 Energy and Real Estate Consultancy Ltd, will highlight the intersection of fintech with infrastructure investment.
Also speaking is Isack Buhiye, the CEO of Firm 23 Ltd, known for his role in shaping fintech entrepreneurship in the region.
From Ghana, Martin Kwame Awagah, President of the Ghana Fintech and Payments Association, will share best practices and policy insights from West Africa.
Sofia Zab, the Founding Chief Marketing Officer of PalmPay, will discuss customer-centric innovations in mobile payments. Jonathan Makundi, Deputy Country Coordinator for Equip Leadership, will speak on leadership and capacity-building within the fintech space.
Tech entrepreneur Kevin Obote, CEO of Guild Code, will discuss agile software development for fintech platforms. George Shumbusho, Chief Executive Officer of Tanzania Securities Limited, will provide a perspective on capital markets and digital investment platforms.
Lastly, Marcello Schermer, Head of Partnerships and International Expansion at Yoco, will share strategies for scaling fintech businesses across borders.
Government officials, regulators, central bank representatives, startup founders, VCs, and global consultants are also in attendance, reflecting the festival’s ambition to shape fintech policy and business across East Africa.The event features panel discussions, startup exhibitions, workshops, and networking sessions, and will conclude with a high-level policy roundtable aimed at strengthening public-private partnerships to ensure responsible and inclusive fintech growth.
