The market benefits from one of Africa’s most sophisticated customer bases for digital finance, supported by high digital adoption rates and robust infrastructure. The 6th edition of the Africa Fintech Forum, set for March 24, 2026, in Johannesburg, builds on prior events backed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).
South Africa’s Twin Peaks regulatory model continues to evolve, with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and FSCA enhancing oversight while fostering innovation. Key developments include crypto-asset licensing, advancement of the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill, and phased rollout of open banking and open finance standards.
These measures create a balanced environment prioritizing consumer protection alongside market dynamism. Payments modernization and data-sharing frameworks further establish South Africa as a forward-looking financial jurisdiction on the continent.
The fintech ecosystem expands via bank-fintech collaborations, embedded services in retail and commerce, and real-time payments systems like PayShap. Despite tighter funding, South African fintechs scale regionally, leveraging technical talent and sustainable models linking banks, telcos, fintechs, and non-financial platforms.
The forum provides strategic insights into regulatory and technological shifts, engagement with decision-makers, and pathways for regional expansion and high-value partnerships in digital finance.