Bujumbura: 23rd Annual Conference of AJBEF Africa
📅 06 – 09 October 2026
📍 Donatus Conference Center – Bujumbura, Republic of Burundi
African Association of Bank and Financial Institution Lawyers (AJBEF AFRICA)
Main Theme
“Banking Lawyer: An Indispensable Driver of Banking and Financial Performance”
About the Event
AJBEF AFRICA will hold its 23rd Annual Conference from 06 to 09 October 2026 in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Building on previous editions, the conference goes far beyond a traditional academic or legal symposium. It provides a dedicated platform for continuous professional training, skills development and knowledge sharing among banking lawyers and financial-sector professionals.
The event also aims to strengthen legal and banking governance, regulatory compliance and risk prevention, supporting the performance and sustainable development of Africa’s banking sector.
🎯 Key Objectives
The 2026 edition will focus on:
- strengthening the expertise of banking lawyers and compliance professionals;
- deepening knowledge of banking law, business law and financial regulation;
- promoting the exchange of best practices among African professionals;
- improving the prevention and management of banking risks;
- supporting financial institutions in governance, compliance and digital transformation;
- promoting recognition of the banking lawyer as a highly specialized and strategic profession.
👥 Target Audience
The conference is particularly relevant to:
- Banking and financial institution lawyers;
- Compliance officers and professionals;
- Credit professionals;
- Recovery and collections professionals;
- Risk management specialists;
- Banking and financial-sector executives;
- Professionals involved in banking governance and regulation.
📅 PROGRAMME – KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Monday, 05 October 2026 – Pre-event
19:00 – 22:00
🍽️ Dinner debate on the banking lawyer profession
Tuesday, 06 October 2026 – Day 1
08:30 – 09:30: Registration and welcome
09:30 – 11:00: Opening ceremony
11:30 – 16:00: Panel 1 – From Credit Risk Mitigation to Debt Recovery: Legal and Regulatory Framework
Key topics:
- Burundian law and the influence of OHADA law;
- Legal framework for securing the recovery of bank claims;
- OHADA legal instruments for credit security;
- Banking regulation and prudential requirements;
- Islamic banking as a potential solution for more secure financing.
16:30 – 17:15: Board of Directors meeting
17:15 – 18:00: Ordinary General Meeting
Wednesday, 07 October 2026 – Day 2
09:00 – 11:00
💻 Panel 2 – Digitalization of Payment and Financing Systems: What Regulatory Framework?
Key topics:
- Digital banking in Africa;
- Legal and regulatory aspects of payment systems;
- Managing credit and counterparty risks in digital finance;
- Cybercrime and risk management for African banks.
11:30 – 12:30
🌱 Panel 3 – Banking Compliance / Responsible Economic Transformation
Focus areas:
- CSR and OHADA;
- Sustainable development;
- Compliance controls;
- ESG requirements in the credit process.
12:30 – 13:00: OHADA legal developments – ERSUMA
14:00 – 16:00
🛠️ Interactive Workshops
Topics include:
- The “augmented” banking lawyer;
- Bank lending and the effectiveness of security interests;
- Accounting treatment of security interests;
- Monitoring CSR policies and ESG requirements in the credit process;
- Drafting arbitration agreements and clauses.
16:30 – 18:00: AJBEF Federation Meeting
Thursday, 08 October 2026 – Day 3
09:00 – 11:00
⚖️ Round Table – What Strategies for the Effective Resolution of Banking Litigation?
11:30 – 13:00
Presentation of workshop findings in plenary session
14:00 – 14:30
📘 Adoption of the Resolutions and Recommendations Report and update of the action-monitoring committee
14:30 – 14:45
AJBEF updates
15:00
🎓 Closing Ceremony and General Summary
Friday, 09 October 2026 – Day 4
🌍 Excursion project
Subject to confirmation by the host branch.
⭐ Why Attend?
The AJBEF AFRICA Annual Conference provides an opportunity to:
LEARN → strengthen legal and regulatory expertise
EXCHANGE → share professional experience and best practices across Africa
ANTICIPATE → better understand emerging banking and financial risks
NETWORK → develop a professional network across the African banking sector
CONTRIBUTE → participate in discussions shaping the future of the banking legal profession
📍 Practical Information
Event: 23rd Annual Conference of AJBEF AFRICA
Dates: 06–09 October 2026
Venue: Donatus Conference Center, Bujumbura, Burundi
Theme: “Banking Lawyer: An Indispensable Driver of Banking and Financial Performance”
Registration: online registration must be completed by 25 September 2026.
AJBEF AFRICA Contact
📧 ajbef24@gmail.com
📞 +223 76 11 08 75
Organizer
Founded in 2000 in Dakar, the African Association of Bank and Financial Institution Lawyers (AJBEF) was established under the initiative of the Club of Bank and Financial Institution Executives of Africa. Its primary goal is to promote excellence in the legal field of banking throughout the African continent.
Mission and Objectives
AJBEF is dedicated to organizing annual training and reflection days on banking and legal themes. These events provide bank lawyers with the opportunity to enhance their skills and exchange views on best practices as well as legislative and regulatory developments.
Beyond this dimension of training and exchange, AJBEF aims to collaborate with decision-makers in African countries to improve the legal environment for banks and financial institutions. By working to refine this legal framework, the association seeks to strengthen the stability and effectiveness of the banking sector on the continent.
Activities and Contributions
- Training and Seminars: AJBEF regularly organizes events to train banking professionals on legal developments and best practices.
- Reflection and Development: The association facilitates forums to discuss challenges and opportunities in the banking sector, providing solutions tailored to African realities.
- Collaboration with Decision-Makers: AJBEF works with political decision-makers and regulators to propose reforms that improve the legal framework and promote a more transparent and secure environment for banking operations.
In summary, AJBEF plays a crucial role in enhancing the legal skills of banking professionals in Africa and in fostering a legal environment conducive to the growth and stability of the financial sector.
