African financial services are increasingly being shaped by collaboration between banks and fintech companies. UBA Fintech Partnerships took center stage at the UBA Fintech Conference 2026 in Ghana, where industry leaders explored how strategic alliances can accelerate innovation, improve financial inclusion and strengthen cross-border trade across Africa.
The conference, held under the theme “Banking Beyond Borders: Driving Innovation Through Fintech Partnerships,”brought together fintech innovators, investors, financial institutions, regulators and technology providers to discuss the future of digital finance on the continent.
How UBA Fintech Partnerships Support Financial Inclusion
Opening the conference, Board Member and Chair of the Cyber and Information Security Committee of UBA Ghana, Linda Naa Dzama Quaynor, said collaboration will play a greater role in shaping the future of financial services than competition alone.
She explained that banks and fintech firms now complement each other’s strengths, creating opportunities to deliver more inclusive and scalable financial services. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area in driving demand for seamless cross-border payment systems.
According to her, UBA’s presence across 20 African countries and major international financial centers positions the bank to support fintech innovation beyond national borders.
UBA Fintech Partnerships and the Future of Digital Finance
Delivering the keynote address, Gbadebo Adenrele stressed that Africa’s financial future will depend on connected ecosystems rather than isolated institutions.
He noted that partnerships between banks, fintech firms and technology providers can accelerate innovation while expanding access to financial services. In addition, he identified mobile money, digital payments, embedded finance and digital banking as major contributors to financial inclusion across Africa.
Consequently, he called for greater investment in digital infrastructure, supportive regulation and stronger industry collaboration.
UBA Expands Digital Banking Through Innovation
Speaking at the event, Bernard Gyebi said Africa’s fintech industry could exceed $65 billion by 2030, creating significant opportunities for growth and innovation.
He explained that UBA continues to support fintech development through initiatives such as Banking-as-a-Service, Open APIs, AI-powered banking solutions and cross-border payment platforms.
“The future of financial services in Africa will be built through partnerships, not silos,” Gyebi said.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel O. Lamptey highlighted the growing influence of e-commerce and agentic commerce in shaping the next phase of digital finance.
He also pointed to opportunities for banks and fintech firms to collaborate on government revenue collection systems, including tax and permit payment platforms.
Why UBA Fintech Partnerships Matter for Africa
Industry experts participating in a panel discussion agreed that innovation, regulation, security and collaboration must evolve together if Africa is to unlock the full value of digital finance.
Representatives from fintech companies emphasized the importance of payment infrastructure, open banking frameworks, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in building trusted financial ecosystems.
Additionally, the Bank of Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovation while strengthening consumer protection and financial system stability.
As Africa’s digital economy expands, UBA Fintech Partnerships demonstrate how collaboration between banks, fintech firms, regulators and technology providers can accelerate financial inclusion, improve cross-border payments and support long-term economic growth across the continent.
