Connecting Global Expertise with Africa’s Emerging Islamic Finance Markets

About 6th International Interest-Free Banking & Finance in Africa

Africa is the world’s second-largest continent, home to a rapidly growing population exceeding 1.4 billion people and representing a significant share of the global emerging market landscape. The continent offers immense potential for the expansion of interest-free (Islamic) banking and finance, driven by increasing demand for ethical, inclusive, and Shariah-compliant financial solutions.

Under the Patronage
National Bank of Ethiopia

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Event Agenda

Connecting Global Expertise with Africa’s Emerging Islamic Finance Markets

Inauguration Session:
Welcome Address
Opening Remarks
Special Acknowledgements
Vote of Thanks
Session I: Islamic Finance in Africa: Trends, Challenges & Future Potential
Growth of interest-free banking in Ethiopia & Africa
Market opportunities & unbanked population
Role of Islamic finance in economic development
Cross-border expansion opportunities
Session II: Regulatory Framework & Shariah Governance
Role of central banks & policymakers
Shariah governance frameworks
Standardization challenges (AAOIFI/IFSB)
Legal & tax frameworks for Islamic finance
Session III: Expanding Takaful for Inclusive Protection in Africa
Growth of Takaful in emerging markets
Micro-Takaful for low-income segments
Digital Takaful models
Public awareness & trust building
Session IV: Panel Discussion: Investment, Collaboration, and Innovation in Interest-Free Finance
Investment opportunities in Ethiopia and across Africa
Role of development institutions in supporting Islamic finance growth
Public-private partnerships and strategic alliances for sustainable development
Fintech solutions for Islamic banking and financial inclusion
Digital onboarding and expanding access to underserved communities
Blockchain technology and smart contracts in Islamic finance
* Closing Ceremony: Recognition of Award Winners, Awards Presentation & Certificate Conferment
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One day post event workshop on Risk and Deposit Management in Interest-Free Banking and Finance July 23, 2026

Workshop Overview
This specialized post-event workshop is designed to provide practical, hands-on knowledge on risk management and deposit structuring in Interest-Free Banking and Finance.

The workshop will focus on key risk areas, Shariah-compliant deposit models, and liquidity management practices, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world implementation. Participants will gain practical insights to effectively manage risks and optimize deposit portfolios in Islamic financial institutions.

Objectives - Participants will be able to:
Understand key risk types in Interest-Free Banking (credit, liquidity, operational, and Shariah risk)
Explore Shariah-compliant deposit products and structures (e.g., Mudarabah, Wadiah)
Develop effective risk mitigation and management strategies
Analyze deposit mobilization and portfolio management techniques
Strengthen liquidity and asset-liability management (ALM) practices
Ensure compliance with Shariah governance and regulatory frameworks
Enhance customer confidence through transparent and compliant deposit practices
Workshop Contents - Session I: Operational Framework of Interest-Free Banking
Business models (Full-fledged vs Windows)
Core Islamic contracts: Murabaha, Mudarabah, Musharakah, Ijarah, Salam, Istisna
Product structuring & documentation
Deposit mobilization (Current vs Investment Accounts)
Session II: Technical & Risk Management Aspects
Risk types in IFIs (Credit, Market, Liquidity, Operational)
Asset-liability management in IFBs
Profit distribution mechanisms
Regulatory compliance & reporting
IT systems & digital banking integration
Session III: Shariah Governance & Compliance
Role of Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB)
Shariah audit & review processes
AAOIFI & IFSB standards implementation
Ensuring Shariah compliance in operations
Common Shariah non-compliance risks & mitigation
Session IV: Takaful Operations & Models
Takaful vs Conventional Insurance
Models: Wakalah, Mudarabah, Hybrid
Underwriting & claims management
Retakaful arrangements
Micro-Takaful for financial inclusion
Closing & Certificate Distribution
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Venue Information

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Event Venue

Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Hyatt Regency is located just 15 minutes from Bole International Airport and is centrally located on Meskel Square, connecting to the large artery roads of Addis Ababa. Read More

About Ethiopia

Ethiopia is an emerging but still underdeveloped market for interest-free finance, where interest-free finance principles are gradually gaining traction alongside broader financial sector reforms. The country’s banking system has recently begun to accommodate interest-free (Islamic) banking windows under the regulatory oversight of the National Bank of Ethiopia, supporting growing demand for Shariah-compliant services such as takaful (Islamic insurance) and interest-free microfinance, especially in underserved and rural communities. Read More