📅 NOVEMBER 26–27, 2026

📍 SOFITEL COTONOU MARINA HOTEL & SPA

Cotonou, Benin · West Africa

FROM ADOPTION TO VALUE

Industrializing Fintech to Accelerate UEMOA Growth

The Next Fintech Forum 2026 will bring together leading stakeholders from Africa’s fintech ecosystem in Cotonou to address a critical challenge: turning the rapid adoption of fintech services into sustainable economic value for the UEMOA region.

The 8th edition aims to convene 500+ decision-makers and ecosystem leaders from 30+ nationalities, creating a high-level platform for dialogue, partnerships, investment and concrete initiatives shaping the future of fintech in West Africa.

🎯 THE CHALLENGE: MOVING FROM ADOPTION TO VALUE

Fintech is experiencing rapid growth across the UEMOA region. However, increased adoption and usage have yet to fully translate into sustainable economic value.

Key figures:

248M
electronic money accounts across UEMOA

+18.9%
growth in 2024

2%
of regional GDP represented by mobile money

< 20%
of formal SMEs using fintech solutions

The Forum therefore focuses on moving from usage-driven growth towards a structured, competitive fintech industry capable of generating measurable economic value.

🌍 A REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL GATHERING

The Next Fintech Forum brings together key stakeholders from across the financial and technology ecosystem, including:

• Fintechs and startups
• Banks and financial institutions
• Investors and funds
• Regulators and public institutions
• Telecom operators and payment players
• Technology companies
• Entrepreneurs and industry experts
• Regional and international organizations

The event features the participation and support of major regional and continental institutions and ecosystem stakeholders, including BCEAO, UEMOA, BOAD, AMF-UMOA, BRVM, the African Union, AfCFTA, the African Development Bank and PAPSS.

🤝 CONNECT · INNOVATE · INVEST

Over two days, the Forum will focus on the key drivers shaping the future of the fintech industry:

Innovation & Technology
Developing the solutions that will shape the next generation of financial services.

Payments & Infrastructure
Accelerating interoperability and the modernization of regional financial infrastructure.

Regulation
Fostering constructive dialogue between innovation, regulation and consumer protection.

Funding & Investment
Improving access to capital and strengthening the attractiveness of the fintech ecosystem.

Financial Inclusion
Positioning fintech as a powerful driver of access to financial services for individuals and businesses.

Talent & Skills
Building the capabilities required to develop a strong and sustainable regional fintech industry.

👥 500+ DECISION-MAKERS · 30+ NATIONALITIES

The Forum will provide a unique environment to:

Exchange ideas on the major trends and transformations shaping the industry.

Connect entrepreneurs, investors, institutions and strategic partners.

Create opportunities for business development and strategic partnerships.

Build collaborations across UEMOA and beyond.

📍 SEE YOU IN COTONOU

NOVEMBER 26–27, 2026

SOFITEL COTONOU MARINA HOTEL & SPA

Cotonou · Benin · West Africa

The Cotonou Declaration

Two days dedicated to shaping the future of fintech across the UEMOA region and contributing to the emergence of a more structured, inclusive, competitive and value-driven fintech industry.