Celebrating Innovation and Excellence in Banking at the 11th Edition Connected Banking Summit- Innovation & Excellence Awards East Africa 2024, Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya – The Connected Banking Summit, an annual event conceptualized and organized by The International Center For Strategic Alliances (ICSA), once again proved to be a cornerstone for the banking industry’s evolution with its 11th Edition Connected Banking Summit- Innovation & Excellence Awards East Africa 2024 took place on  6^th of March, in Nairobi, Kenya.

This gathering not only underscored the significance of digital transformation and financial inclusion but also celebrated the remarkable achievements within the banking sector, thanks to the support of partners and sponsors such as Kaspersky, Freshworks, TransUnion, and Access Bank.

Highlighting the Pioneers of Banking Innovation
The Innovation and Excellence Awards ceremony was a focal point of the summit, spotlighting the pioneering solutions and contributions of individuals and organizations in the banking industry. This accolade served to recognize those who have not only embraced the challenges of the digital age but have also paved the way for a more inclusive, efficient, and secure banking future.

A Platform for Emerging Innovators
In addition to celebrating established industry leaders, the summit provided a stage for emerging innovators through initiatives like the “Launchpad Exhibitors.” Startups including Tusenti and Benkiko showcased their groundbreaking solutions, demonstrating the summit’s commitment to fostering innovation across all levels of the banking ecosystem.

Driving the Future of Banking
The award winners, selected for their innovative approaches and contributions to the sector, exemplify the summit’s theme of “Crafting the Future of Banking with Inclusion & Digital Evolution.” Their achievements highlight the essential role of innovation in addressing the pressing challenges of today’s banking environment and setting new standards for excellence.

The Innovation & Excellence Awards acknowledged outstanding achievements across categories, with notable winners: –

• Excellence In Customer Responsiveness – Family Bank Ltd
• Excellence In Product Innovation – National Bank of Kenya
• Best Islamic Bank of The Year – Gulf African Bank
• Excellence In Payment Innovation – Access Bank (Kenya) Plc
• Best SME Bank – Equity Bank Kenya Ltd
• Excellence In Product Marketing – KCB Bank Group (Kenya)
• Excellence In SME Finance – Co-Operative Bank of Kenya
• Excellence In Digital Banking – Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd
• Excellence In Innovative Banking – Absa Bank Kenya Plc
• Excellence In Financial Reporting – Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Ltd
• Excellence In Investment Banking – Stanbic Bank Kenya
• Excellence In Customer Experience – NCBA Bank Kenya
• Best Bank of The Year – UBA Kenya Bank Ltd
• Microfinance Bank of The Year – Kenya Women Microfinance Bank Plc
• Microfinance CEO of The Year – Dennis Mombo, Mwananchi Credit Ltd
• Insurance CEO of The Year – Dr. Julius Kipng’etich, Jubilee Holdings Ltd
• Insurance Provider of The Year – Jubilee Holdings Ltd
• CEO of The Year – Kariuki Ngari, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd
• CTO of The Year – Moses Okundi, Absa Bank Kenya Plc
• CISO of The Year – Thelma Kganakga, Equity Bank Kenya Ltd
• CDO of The Year – Hartnell Ndungi, Absa Bank Kenya Plc
• COO of The year – Amrit Gayan, SBM Bank Kenya
• Digital Personality of The year – Mary Mulili, UBA Kenya Plc
• Excellence In Financial Inclusion, Safaricom

A Call to Action for Future Innovators
The Connected Banking Summit not only serves as a platform to recognize excellence but also as a call to action for future innovators. As the banking industry continues to evolve, the summit encourages professionals and organizations to strive for innovation and excellence in their contributions to the sector.

The summit provided a unique platform for networking, fostering collaborations among attendees, sponsors, and LaunchPad exhibitors, including Tusenti and Benkiko.

As we look forward to the summit’s future editions in cities including Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Johannesburg, South Africa; Manila, Philippines; Manama, Bahrain; Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; Dhaka, Bangladesh and Accra, Ghana the emphasis on innovation and excellence will undoubtedly remain a key focus.

For those interested in being part of this transformative journey, reach out via email to Mohammed@connected-banking.com or visit our website at https://connected-banking.com/summit/

The Connected Banking Summit remains committed to highlighting the achievements of the banking sector’s brightest minds and fostering an environment where innovation leads the way to a more inclusive and dynamic banking future.