InstinctWave has announced the launch of the Africa Finance Festival (AFF) 2026, a bold new pan-African platform set to debut on May 12th and 13th of May, 2026, at the OrientalHotel, Lagos Nigeria
After successfully hosting the 5th edition in Accra Ghana last year, Lagos will be hosting this event for the 3rd time in May.
The festival represents the strategic evolution of the esteemed CFO & Public Finance Conference, expanding its scope to create a comprehensive, multi-stream dialogue for the entire financial ecosystem.
Under the theme “Future Forward: Building Resilient, Sustainable & Digital Finance Systems for Africa,” the Africa Finance Festival is designed to be the continent’s definitive annual finance gathering. It will convene over 500 senior finance leaders, policymakers, regulators, investors, and technology innovators to shape the future of Africa’s financial landscape.
The Africa Finance Festival will feature four flagship, parallel conference streams, each addressing a critical pillar of the modern financial world:
- Public Finance Live: Focusing on government finance modernization, debt strategy, ESG in the public sector, and fiscal transparency.
- CFO Connect: Gathering corporate finance leaders to inspire excellence in strategic financial leadership and management.
- TaxIgnite: Navigating digital tax transformation, global tax frameworks, compliance, and policy reforms.
- CEO Connect: Dedicated to bringing strategic dialogues, thought leadership, and collaborations to accelerate economic growth and inclusive finance on the continent.
- Pension Connect: Highlights strategies to enhance retirement savings, boost institutional investment, and build resilient systems amid evolving economic and digital landscapes.
- Investment & Wealth Live: Delivers real-time insights, expert panels, live investment pitches, wealth-building strategies and high-level networking to drive wealth creation in Africa
- Risk/Audit Live: Fosters actionable insights and forward-thinking discussions to strengthen risk and audit frameworks supporting sustainable growth and regulatory alignment
- ESG and Sustainable Finance: Explores how environmental, social, and governance principles can drive resilient growth across Africa’s financial ecosystem.
- Treasury Live: Featuring insightful discussions on topics such as FX risk management, funding strategies, working capital efficiency, and the role of technology in modern treasury operations.
AFF 2026 proudly presents an exceptional lineup of the continent’s foremost financial leaders, policymakers, and visionaries who are shaping the future of public and private sector finance across the continent.
- Shamsedeen B. Ogunjimi, Accountant General of the Federation , Nigeria
- Leonard Mkude, Accountant General of the United Republic of Tanzania
- Dr. (Mrs) Hauwa Nuru, Commissioner of Finance Kwara State
- Ugochukwu Nwaghodoh, Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management United Bank for Africa (UBA)
- Deji Fayose, Chief Financial Officer Group First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited
- Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur (Esq), CEO Ghana Export Promotion Authority. (GEPA)
- Modupe Kadiri, Executive Director/CFO, MTN Nigeria
- Ashish Khemka,Director – Finance and Operations, Lagos Free Zone, Nigeria
- Conrad-Mbaziira, Financial Controller National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Uganda
- Maruf Tijani, director Finance & Accounts Lagos State Internal Revenue Agency (LIRS)
- Bernice Awube Armah Ampofo. Director of Finance Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA)
- Ogaga Ologe, Executive Director/CFO. Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED)
- Saima Nalimanguluke Ashipala, Chief Risk Officer Development Bank of Namibia
Previous edition of the finance event has attracted a bevy lineup of finance leaders from across the continent, highlighting its reputation as a premier platform for thought leadership and collaboration.
Among the notable attendees were Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Honourable Minister at Ghana’s Ministry of Finance, and Mr. Leonard Mkude, Accountant General of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Also in attendance were Ashish Khemka, Director of Finance and Operations at Lagos Free Zone in Nigeria; Albert Larweh Asante, Chief Finance Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC; and Kwadwo Kwakye Gyan, Head of Risk and Sustainability Management at the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
Akin Naphtal, CEO of InstinctWave and Group Publisher of The CFO Magazine, described the rebrand as a bold step reflecting Africa’s evolving financial landscape.
“This rebrand is not just a name change,” he said. “It’s a reflection of where Africa is heading – bold, integrated, and driven by finance leadership that truly shapes economies.”
He explained that the Africa Finance Festival (AFF) embodies a renewed vision for collaboration, innovation, and inclusion in the continent’s financial sector.
“AFF 2026 will be the definitive meeting point for those building financial systems that power inclusive growth, resilience, and innovation,” Naphtal added, emphasizing that the festival will unite policymakers, business leaders, and financial professionals committed to driving Africa’s next phase of economic transformation.
Beyond the core tracks, the festival will offer immersive experiences, including Ministerial Roundtables, an Innovation Lab & Tech Showcase, a Women in Finance Luncheon, the 40 under 40 Finance Execuitves Recognition, a dedicated ESG & Finance Sustainability Pavilion, among others
The Africa Finance Festival responds to the critical need for a collaborative forum that connects public and private sector finance, fostering the conversations necessary to drive sustainable economic growth across Africa.
AFF is powered by TheCFO magazine and InstinctWave Group.
