Why Cotonou, why 2026
A moment, a market, a city.
Natural logistics hub
Deep-water port, crossroads of West Africa. Cotonou lends credibility to the "real economy" theme.
E-government pioneer
2nd in West and Central Africa on the World Bank's GovTech Maturity Index, driven by a dedicated Ministry of Digital Affairs.
Strategic neutrality
A neutral position between major markets (Abidjan, Dakar, Lomé), ideal for regional dialogue.
Government AI mandate
First Beninese government with a ministry dedicated to AI, a strong signal for tech.
500 to 600 decision-makers.
Not the general public.
Three complementary profiles for a three-dimensional conversation.
InstitutionalPublic decision-makers
- Ministries of Economy / Finance
- BCEAO · UMOA Banking Commission
- AMF-UMOA · BOAD · BRVM
- CENTIF / FIU · GIABA · FATF
- Treasury · Tax authority · Customs
- Cybersecurity agencies / CERT
B2B IndustryOperators & corporates
- Commercial banks · MNOs
- Switches & regional infrastructure
- Payment / infra / B2B fintechs
- Large merchants · e-commerce platforms
- Integrators · Insurers · RegTechs
- Consulting & audit firms · SMEs
CapitalInvestors & financiers
- DFIs: BOAD · AFD · World Bank · EIB · IFC
- Regional & pan-African VC/PE funds
- M&A investment banks
- Corporate venture (banks/telcos)
- Foundations & impact organisations
- Africa-focused family offices
Countries in the spotlight
NFF 2026 highlights two high-potential English-speaking fintech markets, as part of expanding UEMOA dialogue across the continent.
The Cotonou Declaration
9 measurable commitments to turn fintech into a driver of regional growth. KPIs + owners + 6 and 18-month follow-up.
3 commitments from states
- Regulatory clarifications
- Accelerated licensing timelines
- Pro-innovation mechanisms
3 commitments from industry
- Interoperability standards
- Shared anti-fraud efforts
- Infrastructure investment
3 commitments from investors
- Announced funding envelopes
- Acceleration programs
- Identified investment pipeline
The edition that proved it
Patronage: Senegal's Ministry of Finance and Budget.
Institutional support
