New technologies are opening pathways for Africa to modernise financial systems without repeating the limitations of older models. Drawing on perspectives from global leaders in tokenisation and digital assets, policymakers shaping Africa’s financial future, AI leaders, fintech operators, and academic and research institutions, the session explores how tokenisation, AI, and embedded finance are being applied to payments, lending, asset ownership, liquidity management, and operational efficiency across diverse African markets.
The discussion examines real-world applications alongside readiness factors such as digital infrastructure, regulation, and skills development. Issues of governance, data quality, and responsible deployment are considered alongside opportunities for scale and leapfrogging. Designing solutions that work for informal economies and aligning innovation with local market realities emerge as critical to positioning Africa as a testing ground for next-generation financial models with global relevance.
