IN a strategic move to align with global trends, the Institute of Bankers of Zimbabwe (IoBZ) will host its flagship conference in Cape Town, South Africa, next week, to foster direct regional networking and knowledge exchange with one of Africa’s most advanced financial markets.
Running under the theme Navigating the Bank of the Future, Today, the conference will tackle macro-level challenges facing the sector.
Key topics will include applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in banking and finance, the future of card payments, Al-driven compliance tools, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration in banking, among others.
“The focus would be on how AI can be used to enhance customer experience and streamline internal bank operations, and how staff can be upskilled with specialised skills to implement and manage AI systems,” an IoBZ spokesperson told the Zimbabwe Independent.
With an increasing reliance on digital platforms, protecting customer data and funds from fraud and cyberattacks is a top priority. This aligns with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s focus on cybersecurity as a pillar of financial stability.
The conference will also explore opportunities for banks to finance green projects, supporting the national shift towards a sustainable economy. The IoBZ identified significant skills gaps within the local banking industry, particularly in digital literacy, risk management, and compliance with evolving international standards.
To address these, the institute is conducting targeted workshops on data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity for various staff levels.
“The institute advocates for a balanced approach to digitisation that doesn’t leave behind vulnerable populations, aligned with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy,” the organisation added.
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This includes customer relationship management training that focuses on digital tools while ensuring rural and underserved communities are included. Furthermore, the IoBZ has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to offer workshops on integrating ESG criteria into banking operations.
The conference will feature a lineup of prominent speakers.
South African tech futurist Stafford Massie will deliver the keynote address. Arthur Mutambara from the University of Johannesburg will discuss the impact of AI on jobs in the banking sector. Jeremy Quianoo, an expert in African banking partnerships, will explore innovations in global card payment networks.
Gabriel Swanepoel of Mastercard will speak on AI-driven tools for financial crime detection, while Shaun Thomas of Nexiant AI and Jana Mudronova of the IFC will lead sessions on integrating ESG principles and sustainable banking.
The conference aims to provide a platform for bankers to enhance their skills, exchange ideas with leaders and policymakers, and develop solutions for the sustainable growth of Zimbabwe’s financial sector.
