6th International Interest-Free Banking & Takaful Forum Kicks Off in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Global Islamic Finance Leaders to Convene in Addis Ababa to Strengthen Africa’s Interest-Free Financial Ecosystem

(August 15, 2026 - Dubai, UAE): AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (AlHuda CIBE) is proud to announce the 6th International Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Forum 2026, under the patronage of the National Bank of Ethiopia, on Monday, August 17, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Commencing at 9:00 AM Addis Ababa time, the forum, themed “Connecting Global Expertise with Africa’s Emerging Islamic Finance Markets,” will bring together regulators, central bankers, policymakers, financial institutions, Takaful operators, development organizations, investors, Shariah scholars, FinTech innovators, and global experts to explore opportunities for expanding interest-free finance across Africa.

The Forum will be honored by the presence of distinguished Guests of Honor, including H.E. Solomon Desta, Vice Governor, Financial Stability, National Bank of Ethiopia; Mr. Hamse Abdirahman Khayre, Deputy Governor, Bank of Somaliland; H.E. Mr. Zuhair Abdullah Ensour, Ambassador, Embassy of Jordan in Addis Ababa; and Dr. Yared Mola, President, Association of Ethiopian Insurers (AEI). Their participation reflects the importance of high-level collaboration among regulators, financial institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders in strengthening Africa's ethical and inclusive financial ecosystem.

The patronage of the National Bank of Ethiopia reflects the country's growing commitment to strengthening its interest-free financial ecosystem and promoting inclusive, ethical, and sustainable financial services. Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in introducing interest-free banking, supported by regulatory reforms and increasing market demand. With the rapid growth of digital financial services and the establishment of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange, the country is well positioned to become one of Africa's leading hubs for Islamic banking, Takaful, Sukuk, and Islamic FinTech.

Africa is one of the fastest-growing markets for Islamic finance, supported by a large unbanked population, expanding Muslim communities, regulatory initiatives, and rising demand for ethical finance. The forum will provide a high-level platform to discuss interest-free banking, Takaful, Islamic capital markets, financial inclusion, digital transformation, Shariah governance, and cross-border investment, while fostering collaboration to accelerate sustainable industry growth across Africa.

Mr. Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer of AlHuda CIBE, said, "Africa offers enormous potential for the growth of interest-free finance, and Ethiopia is emerging as one of the continent's most promising markets. Through this forum, we aim to connect global expertise with local opportunities, facilitate knowledge sharing, encourage investment, and support the development of innovative, inclusive, and Shariah-compliant financial ecosystems. We are honored that this prestigious forum is being organized under the patronage of the National Bank of Ethiopia, demonstrating the country's commitment to advancing ethical finance."

The forum will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical sessions, and networking opportunities covering the future of interest-free banking in Africa, regulatory and Shariah governance, Takaful, Islamic FinTech, blockchain, investment, liquidity management, and financial inclusion, bringing together senior representatives from leading financial institutions, regulators, academia, development organizations, and international bodies. The 6th Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Awards 2026 will also be held on August 17 in Addis Ababa at 4:00 PM, recognizing excellence, innovation, leadership, and outstanding contributions to the global interest-free and ethical finance industry.

Following the forum, AlHuda CIBE will organize a One-Day Post-Event Workshop on “Risk and Deposit Management in Interest-Free Banking and Finance” on August 18, followed by an Industry Visit on August 19 and City Tour on August 20, offering practical learning and networking opportunities. For information please visit: https://www.alhudacibe.com/ibtf2026/.

Since 2005, AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (AlHuda CIBE) has advanced Islamic banking and finance through advisory services, research, capacity building, education, and international events. Serving institutions and professionals in more than 105 countries, AlHuda CIBE continues to promote ethical finance and financial inclusion globally. The 6th International Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Forum 2026 aims to strengthen partnerships, foster innovation, and support the growth of interest-free finance across Africa.

About Alhuda CIBE:
AlHuda Center of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE) is a well-recognized name in Islamic banking and finance industry for research and provides state-of-the-art Advisory Consultancy and Education through various well-recognized modes viz. Islamic Financial Product Development, Shariah Advisory, Training Workshops, and Islamic Microfinance and Takaful Consultancies etc. side by side through our distinguished, generally acceptable and known Publications in Islamic Banking and Finance.

We are dedicated to serving the community as a unique institution, advisory and capacity building for the last twelve years. The prime goal has always been to remain stick to the commitments providing Services not only in UAE/Pakistan but all over the world. We have so far served in more than 35 Countries for the development of Islamic Banking and Finance industry. For further Details about AlHuda CIBE, please visit: www.alhudacibe.com.

For Media Contact:
Ms. Shehla Hameed
Communication Associate
info@alhudacibe.com
Call: +971 50 842 1423