The Payments Evolution & Innovation Conference 2026 is a premier two-day gathering designed to bring together Africa’s leading finance executives, accounts payable professionals, fintech innovators, compliance leaders, procurement specialists, and business decision-makers to shape the future of payments across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

As digital transformation accelerates across the continent, the payments landscape is undergoing profound change. From real-time payments and open banking to AI-powered fraud detection, blockchain-enabled settlement, and embedded finance, organisations are being challenged to modernise legacy systems while maintaining compliance, security, and operational efficiency. At the same time, macroeconomic pressures, currency volatility, regulatory complexity, and the rapid growth of cross-border trade within Africa are placing increased strain on finance and treasury teams.

Hosted in Sandton—Africa’s financial capital—this conference serves as a strategic platform for leaders to explore how payments innovation can unlock working capital, strengthen supplier relationships, improve visibility, and create measurable competitive advantage. The programme is designed to move beyond theory and focus on practical, implementable strategies that organisations can deploy immediately.

For CFOs and finance directors, the event provides insight into building resilient payment infrastructures that support cash flow optimisation and financial control in a dynamic economic environment. For accounts payable professionals, it delivers actionable approaches to automation, workflow digitisation, error reduction, and enhanced reporting. For CIOs and fintech leaders, it explores the architecture, integration, and cybersecurity considerations required to implement next-generation payment systems at scale.

Compliance and risk officers will gain clarity on navigating evolving regulatory requirements, including POPIA, anti-money laundering frameworks, cross-border reporting standards, and digital identity verification. Procurement and supply chain experts will explore how payments transparency and supplier financing models can improve vendor collaboration and sustainability outcomes.

The conference also addresses Africa’s unique payments realities. While digital wallets and mobile money continue to drive financial inclusion across Sub-Saharan Africa, enterprises must balance innovation with infrastructure constraints, fragmented regulatory regimes, and diverse banking ecosystems. The rise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) further increases the urgency for interoperable, cost-effective cross-border payment systems that reduce friction and enable seamless trade.

Delegates will engage with case studies from leading South African corporates, banks, fintech firms, and pan-African enterprises that have successfully transformed their payments operations. Interactive sessions will encourage dialogue between finance and technology teams, ensuring that strategic vision aligns with operational execution.

In addition, the conference will examine the growing importance of ESG considerations within payments and supply chain finance. Transparent payment practices, ethical supplier funding, and sustainable financing models are no longer optional—they are integral to long-term business resilience.

Ultimately, the Payments Evolution & Innovation Conference 2026 is about equipping African organisations with the tools, partnerships, and insights required to modernise payments, mitigate risk, and unlock value. It is a strategic forum where financial leadership meets technological innovation—driving smarter, faster, and more secure payments across the continent.

Who Should Attend

This event is specifically curated for:

• Finance Leaders – CFOs, finance directors, financial controllers, and treasury heads focused on strengthening cash flow management, improving financial governance, and modernising payment infrastructures.
• Accounts Payable Professionals – AP managers, analysts, and shared services leaders seeking automation, enhanced accuracy, and improved vendor payment strategies.
• Technology Innovators – CIOs, CTOs, developers, fintech leaders, and digital transformation specialists implementing AI, blockchain, real-time payments, and API-driven platforms.
• Compliance & Risk Officers – Professionals managing regulatory adherence, fraud prevention, AML compliance, POPIA obligations, and transaction security.
• Procurement & Supply Chain Experts – Leaders responsible for supplier relationships, payment transparency, and sustainable vendor financing models.
• Business Owners & Entrepreneurs – Decision-makers seeking innovative payment strategies to accelerate revenue cycles, reduce costs, and scale operations across African markets.

Why It Is Important to Attend

• Gain practical, Africa-relevant strategies for modernising payments.
• Understand evolving regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Discover technologies that improve speed, visibility, and security.
• Strengthen supplier and cross-border payment ecosystems.
• Network with senior finance and fintech leaders.
• Position your organisation for growth under AfCFTA and digital transformation trends.