Global Islamic Finance Leaders to Convene in Addis Ababa to Strengthen Africa’s Interest-Free Financial Ecosystem
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, which will be held on August 17, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Under the theme “Connecting Global Expertise with Africa Emerging Islamic Finance Markets,” the forum will bring together regulators, central bankers, policymakers, financial institutions, Takaful operators, development organizations, investors, Shariah scholars, FinTech innovators, and global experts to explore new opportunities for expanding interest-free finance across Africa.
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 represents one of the fastest-growing markets for Islamic finance, driven by its large unbanked population, expanding Muslim communities, supportive regulatory initiatives, and increasing demand for ethical financial solutions. The forum will provide a high-level platform for discussing the latest developments in interest-free banking, Takaful, Islamic capital markets, financial inclusion, digital transformation, Shariah governance, and cross-border investment opportunities. It will also encourage collaboration among regulators, financial institutions, investors, and development partners to accelerate the sustainable growth of the industry across the continent.
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 meetings covering topics such as the future of interest-free banking in Africa, regulatory and Shariah governance frameworks, Takaful development, Islamic FinTech, blockchain applications, investment opportunities, liquidity management, and financial inclusion. The event is expected to attract senior representatives from central banks, ministries, commercial banks, Islamic financial institutions, Takaful companies, development finance institutions, academia, and international organizations from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
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, 2026, providing practical training on Islamic banking operations, risk management, Shariah governance, liquidity management, and deposit structures. An Industry Visit on August 19 and a City Tour on August 20, 2026, will further provide delegates with valuable networking opportunities and insights into Ethiopia’s evolving financial landscape. Additionally, the 6th Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Awards 2026 will recognize excellence and innovation across the global Islamic finance industry.
Registration for the 6th International Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Forum 2026, sponsorship opportunities, award nominations, and delegate participation are now open. Interested organizations and professionals are encouraged to register and learn more by visiting https://www.alhudacibe.com/ibtf2026/ or contacting info@alhudacibe.com.
Since 2005, AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (AlHuda CIBE) has remained committed to the global development of Islamic banking and finance through advisory services, research, capacity building, education, and international events. Having served institutions and professionals in more than 105 countries, AlHuda CIBE continues to play a leading role in promoting ethical finance and financial inclusion worldwide. The 6th International Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Forum 2026 is expected to become a landmark event that strengthens partnerships, promotes innovation, and supports the future 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.
