2024 CIBN Annual Conference to spotlight Africa’s economic future with over 10,000 attendees
Over ten thousand professionals from across Africa, including bankers, policymakers, regulators, and other key stakeholders, are expected to gather in Abuja for the 2024 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
At a media briefing on Thursday, Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director and CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, stated that the conference will focus on Nigeria and Africa’s economic landscape.
The discussions will address key growth drivers, critical challenges in the business and financial sectors, and the perspectives of the next generation.
Alawuba announced that distinguished guests, including the President of Nigeria and other prominent African leaders, will attend. He mentioned that the President of Liberia has confirmed attendance, and Mr. Olayemi Cardozo, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, will deliver a goodwill message. Other high-profile government officials are also expected.
Scheduled for September 10–11, 2024, at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the 17th Annual Banking and Finance Conference will carry the theme, “Accelerated Economic Growth and Development: The State of Play and the Way Forward.”
As Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Body of Banks’ CEOs and Chairman of the Consultative Committee for the conference, Alawuba is noted for his extensive experience and leadership, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the financial industry in Nigeria and Africa.
Professor Pius Deji Olanrewaju, President and Chairman of Council CIBN, also spoke at the briefing, underscoring the collective role in economic development. He highlighted that the conference communiqué will be forwarded to relevant ministries to implement key policy recommendations.
Olanrewaju emphasised that the implementation of these recommendations will be actively monitored through engagement with key officials, including the president and the vice president, a former banker himself.
He outlined his administration’s agenda, summarised as LEGACY: Leading an Innovative Financial System, Entrenching Ethics, Professionalism, and Integrity; Gender, Generational, and Geographical Diversity; Accelerating the Institute’s Vision; Competence in the Banking and Finance Industry to Aid National Development; and Youth and Entrepreneurial Engagement.
Founded 61 years ago, the institute has grown significantly, now boasting over 180,000 members, making it the largest in Africa and among the largest globally. Olanrewaju emphasized the institute’s role in upholding ethics and professionalism while supporting the economy.
Capacity building remains a key mandate, equipping banking professionals with essential skills and knowledge for the evolving financial landscape. Olanrewaju expressed enthusiasm about hosting the largest gathering of banking and finance professionals in Africa.
The Annual Banking and Finance Conference is CIBN’s flagship event, providing a platform for stakeholders—including policymakers, regulators, academics, clients, and others in the financial services ecosystem—to share experiences and discuss contemporary issues affecting the sector and the economy.
