The forum on Digital Transformation and FinTech in Africa ADT-I is held to explore and discuss the impact and opportunities of technology in financial services in the region, and to facilitate collaborations and partnerships that drive innovation and growth in the industry. It aims to support the development and adoption of digital technologies for financial inclusion and economic growth in Africa.

African Experts has taken the initiative, as part of its objectives and the responsibility of its experts, to hold its first forum on ‘Digital Transformation and FinTech’ ADT-I. We aim to provide not just academic papers, research, and discussions, but also concrete solutions to help achieve some of the specific goals set forth by the African Union in their Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030)

The significance of the ADT-I forum lies in:

• Providing a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and shape the future of FinTech and Digital Transformation in Africa.
• Fostering innovation, investment, and widespread use of digital financial services.
• Highlighting the impact that FinTech can have on financial access and economic progress in Africa.
• Establishing a supportive atmosphere for the growth of FinTech on the continent. Encouraging students, young professionals, and start-ups to engage with the 2020-2030 Digital transformation strategy and achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.

‘The Africa We Want’ is a vision and framework for Africa’s development as outlined by the African Union in the Agenda 2063. It outlines the aspirations and goals of the African people for a prosperous and integrated Africa that is at peace with itself. In terms of the Africa Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030)

“The Africa We Want” refers to the future that the strategy aims to create through digital transformation. The strategy aims to harness the power of technology to drive inclusive economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life for all Africans. By leveraging digital technologies, the strategy aims to realize “The Africa We Want” vision by addressing the challenges of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, and by leveraging opportunities for growth and prosperity through digital transformation.

The Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030) is a comprehensive strategy developed by the African Union Commission in collaboration with various organizations, including the UN Economic Commission for Africa, African Development Bank, and the World Bank. The strategy aims to harness digital technologies and innovation to transform African societies and economies and promote integration, inclusive economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication. The vision of the strategy is an integrated and inclusive digital society and economy in Africa that improves citizens’ quality of life and strengthens the existing economic sector. The strategy has specific objectives to build a secured Digital Single Market in Africa by 2030, empower all citizens to access digital services at an affordable price, harmonize policies and regulations, implement laws to stimulate digital transformation, promote open standards, and force the African Union’s Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection.

Date, Duration, Content, Audience and Languages:

The ADT-I forum will take place over the course of 5 days in Tunis, from September 6 to September 10, 2023, with a combination of training sessions, keynote addresses, research presentations, panel debates, and smaller group meetings. Attendees have the option to participate in person or virtually due to its hybrid format.

The forum aims to bring together a diverse group of attendees, including policymakers, industry leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders, who can participate either in-person or virtually. The expected in-person attendance is 150 guests, with the possibility of 400 virtual attendees from across the continent.

The forum’s content, which will be presented in English, French, or Arabic, will have interpretation provided during the event and after, as well as:

• A comprehensive written report in three languages.
• Audiovisual versions to make it accessible through online broadcasting and other popular platforms.

The objectives of the ADT-I forum are to:

1. Explore the potential of digital transformation and fintech in driving economic growth and development in Africa.
2. Identify opportunities and challenges in the adoption and implementation of digital technologies in the region.
3. Discuss best practices and innovative solutions for leveraging digital technologies to address key development challenges in Africa.
4. Introduce a practical, innovative approach to speed up digital transformation among SMEs in Africa.
5. Sensibilize young professionals, start-ups and students on the Agenda 2063 and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa, and encourage innovation to achieve their goals.

The ADT-I forum will include different activities:

• Two Pre-forum certified training days (Business continuity, Agile Project management,
  Cyber-security, FinTech).
• Exhibition with estimated 15 exhibitors.
• The Forum: Three days event.
• Invited Research Papers, that will be launched before the event and evaluated to be presented, with the following subjects:

  – Status of the African Digital Strategy
– The African Union Convention on cyber-security and personal data protection
  – The digital single market in Africa by 2030
Research papers are evaluated by a jury committee for quality, originality, and contribution.

• A Hackathon (competition between start-ups) with a defined subject to be treated and prizes to the three best solutions.

A panel of judges evaluates solutions based on quality, creativity, and contribution.

Theme Outline:

The Forum will discuss important topics in its papers and discussions. To provide attendees with the latest information and to help them stay ahead of the curve. The topics on the Forum agenda are expected to be thought-provoking, inspiring and educational, and to provide attendees with a wealth of information that they can use to further their careers and grow their businesses.

1. ‘The Role of Governments and Regulators in Facilitating Fintech for Financial Inclusion’
2. ‘The Role of Big Data and Analytics in Digital Banking’
3. ‘Innovation and Competition in the Fintech Industry’
4. ‘The Future of Digital Banking: Opportunities, Challenges, Threats and Risks’
5. ‘Case Studies of Successful Fintech Initiatives for Financial Inclusion’
6. ‘Assessing the Prospects, Obstacles, Dangers and Risks of Digital Banking’
7. ‘The Impact of Digital Transformation on African SMEs’
8. ‘The Role of Government in Supporting Digital Transformation of African Enterprises’
9. ‘The Future of Work in African Enterprises: Digital Transformation and Talent Management’

Ticket Pricing:

• In-person attendance ticket is $750, and this will include the forum itself, attendance at accompanying events, transportation, exhibition, hackathon, and the entertainment day.
• Virtual attendance ticket is $150, with a 50% discount for students and groups.
• Certified Training Fees: $300 per trainee, and it is available for personal attendance only.

* Transportation from the Forum to the Hackathon location will be according to a predefined schedule  

** You can choose your booth number from the list below