Nigeria is preparing to welcome a significant continental policy and technology engagement in 2026, with the official announcement of the RegTech Africa Conference and Expo (RACE 2026) made on Thursday at the State House in Abuja.
The event, scheduled to take place from May 20 to 22, 2026, will be co-hosted by the Office of the Vice President and the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, in collaboration with the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).
During a media briefing, Mr. Cyril Okoroigwe, Chairman of the Organising Committee, characterized RACE 2026 as a premier platform for dialogue focused on the intersection of regulation, technology, and economic development on the African continent.
Okoroigwe emphasized that the conference aims to tackle the regulatory and infrastructural challenges that currently hinder cross-border trade, financial transactions, and digital innovations throughout Africa.
The vision for RACE 2026 is rooted in the concept of "Africonomy," which envisions an Africa that is interconnected, reliable, and driven by innovation, fully aligned with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The African Continental Free Trade Area is expected to unify a market valued at $3.4 trillion, engaging approximately 1.4 billion individuals across 54 nations.
Okoroigwe expressed concerns that despite the potential of AfCFTA, ongoing issues such as fragmented regulations, weak interoperability, and uncertainty in regulation continue to obstruct the efficacy of cross-border transactions, trade, and digital services, leading to missed economic prospects for nations within Africa.
He elaborated that the conference will revolve around the theme "Building Trust, Infrastructure, Inclusion, and Policy for a Borderless Economy." Its objectives include promoting innovative regulatory practices, advocating for harmonization of policies, fostering the establishment of reliable digital infrastructures like interoperable payment systems, and enhancing both financial and digital accessibility.
Additionally, the event will highlight investment prospects in compliance, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital services. It aims to empower small enterprises, startups, women, youth, and marginalized communities while bolstering collaboration among regulators, governments, financial entities, technology innovators, and development partners.
The organizers noted that hosting RACE 2026 positions Nigeria as a pivotal force in facilitating continental policy discourse, leading financial innovation, and pioneering digital economic initiatives, supporting a broader African agenda for integrated digital markets and inclusive economic growth.
In a virtual address, Ms. Gina Wood, Acting Principal Officer for Legal and Law Enforcement at the GIABA Secretariat, remarked that the conference will occur at a critical juncture as West African nations brace for the third phase of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism evaluations.
She highlighted findings from previous evaluations that indicated a pressing need for countries to evolve from technical compliance to more effective measures, including improved coordination, risk comprehension, modern supervisory practices, and leveraging technology to safeguard financial systems.
Wood lauded the Federal Government's support for the RegTech Africa initiative and emphasized that meaningful reforms are dependent on robust political commitment and enhanced cooperation between public and private sectors.
She reaffirmed GIABA's dedication to aiding member states through capacity- building initiatives, technical assistance, policy direction, and fostering regional alliances, calling RACE 2026 a timely opportunity to advance a trustworthy, inclusive, and future-ready regulatory landscape for Africa's burgeoning digital economy.
The event on Thursday served as the formal kickoff for the 2026 conference, with a strong call for media participation to enhance public awareness regarding the potential of regulation, innovation, and technology in propelling Africa towards a borderless digital economy.
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