Africa Women in Banking & Finance Conference & Awards
20 March 2026 | Marriott Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria
Join us for the Africa Women in Banking and Finance Conference & Awards, a premier platform celebrating women’s leadership and impact across Africa’s banking and finance ecosystem. Engage with industry leaders, gain practical insights, and explore pathways to professional excellence and empowerment.
08:00 – 09:00
Registration
Marriott Hotel, Lagos
09:00 – 10:00
Conference Opening & Welcome Remarks
10:00 – 10:30
Networking Break
10:30 – 11:30
Panel 1: Leadership & Representation – Breaking Barriers
Women’s Leadership and Representation in Africa’s Banking Sector
Speakers:
- Joana Adwoa Bannerman
Head of Subsidiaries Business Development, UEMOA
Access Bank Ghana - Njideka Esomeju, FCIB
Deputy General Manager
Access Bank - Jocelyne Nguessan
Banque Atlantique
11:30 – 12:30
Panel 2: Financial Inclusion for Women
Bridging the Gap: Financial Inclusion and Economic Empowerment for African Women
Speakers:
- Shimi Ntuyabaliwe
CEO, BRAC Microfinance
Sierra Leone - Theopista Ntale Sekitto
African Ambassador, Global Banking Alliance for Women
Country Director (Uganda), New Faces New Voices - Rafiat Onitiri, FCIB
Managing Director, FIC
Chairperson, Association of Professional Women Bankers
12:30 – 13:30
Networking Lunch
13:30 – 14:30
Panel 3: Impact of Technology – Fintech for Her
How Digital Innovation Is Empowering Women in African Banking
Speakers:
- Chinwe Iloghattu
CEO / Managing Director, Nova Bank Nigeria - Oluwatosin Olaseinde
Founder, Money Africa & Ladda - Uchenna Agbo (Under Confirmation)
Chief Commercial Officer & Independent Non-Executive Director
Optasia
14:30 – 15:30
Panel 4: Private Equity, Venture Capital & Startups
Speakers:
- Leila Farah Mokaddem (Under Confirmation)
Non-Executive Director (Multiple Boards)
Former Director General, African Development Bank - Nana Araba Abban, FCCA
Founder & CEO, ICoach-U
Board Member, Evergreen Pension - Dina Adel
Director, Investment Banking
15:30 – 16:30
Networking Break
16:30 – 17:00
Panel 5: Insurance – Insuring Her Future
Speaker:
- Jane Mazimba
Regional Manager
Prudential Assurance Zambia
20:00
AWBFA Awards Ceremony
An evening dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding women leaders who are shaping the future of banking and finance across Africa