Africa’s $1 Trillion Payment Opportunity to Take Center Stage at ATS Nairobi 2026
As the global financial community looks toward emerging markets for the next wave of hyper-growth, all eyes are on Nairobi. The eighth Africa Tech Summit (ATS), set for February 11–12, 2026, has positioned Africa’s staggering $1 trillion cross-border payment potential as the focal point of this year’s agenda.
The summit arrives as the continent enters a decade of integration, with Fincra stepping in as the Headline Supporter to drive the technical dialogue on building the infrastructure required to turn this trillion-dollar projection into a reality.
Recent data from Oui Capital and Standard Bank indicates that Africa’s cross-border payment market is expected to more than triple from $329 billion in 2025 to $1 trillion by 2035. This explosive 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is being driven by the maturation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the expanding reach of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which aims to save the continent roughly $5 billion annually in currency conversion costs.
For Wole Ayodele, CEO of Fincra, the summit is less about theory and more about the “rails”, the APIs and infrastructure that allow a business in Lagos to pay a supplier in Nairobi as easily as a local transaction.
“Fincra is building the systems that will power the AfCFTA, digital commerce and seamless cross-border payments,” Ayodele stated. “By simplifying global payments via APIs, closing interoperability gaps, and strengthening regulatory alignment, we are playing a vital role in unlocking Africa’s $3.4 trillion market opportunity.”
The partnership aims to address the fragmentation that still plagues the continent, where only 55% of countries currently allow for electronic KYC, often forcing businesses to repeat compliance processes for every border they cross.
The summit will be organized into four dedicated tracks: the Africa Money and DeFi Summit, the Africa AI & Digital Summit, the Africa Climate Tech & Investment Summit, and the Africa Startup Summit. This multi-track approach is designed to explore the trends and policies shaping the $3.4 trillion market opportunity presented by a borderless African economy.
“We’re delighted to welcome our long-term partner, Fincra, as the Headline Supporter for Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2026. Their passion for building borderless and seamless operations aligns with our goals of driving growth for African tech ventures globally.”Andrew Fassnidge, Founder of Africa Tech Summit, noted.
“Payments infrastructures are key to this, and Fincra’s work in enabling seamless, interoperable rails is helping raise the tide for the whole ecosystem,” added Fassnidge.
As the continent continues to grapple with high transaction costs and currency volatility, ATS Nairobi 2026 stands as the definitive forum for the regulators, founders, and investors tasked with building a borderless African economy.
Tickets for the summit are available for purchase here. You can also use code TTRENDS10 for a 10 % discount on your ticket.
[Secure Your Seat at Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2026 | February 11–12 here] Use code TTRENDS10 at checkout to save 10% on your pass and join the leaders building Africa’s $1 trillion cross-border payment future.
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