RegTech Africa Awards: Showcasing Excellence in Regulatory Innovations

The RegTech Africa Awards play a vital role by annually recognizing and celebrating the most innovative companies, technologies, and individuals advancing regulatory excellence across Africa.

Regulatory technology, or RegTech, sits at the critical intersection of regulation and innovation, reshaping how governments, financial institutions, and fintech companies navigate compliance challenges in Africa’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

RegTech solutions streamline regulatory processes, enhance transparency, and mitigate risks, making regulatory compliance faster, more efficient, and more accessible.

As the continent experiences unprecedented growth in digital financial services, the demand for effective RegTech tools has never been higher.

Hosted alongside the prestigious RegTech Africa Conference, these awards spotlight breakthroughs that not only meet regulatory demands but also drive financial inclusion, strengthen governance, and foster trust in digital ecosystems.

By elevating Africa’s leading RegTech pioneers, the RegTech Africa Awards help boost market confidence, facilitate cross-border collaboration, and accelerate the continent’s digital transformation. Through this platform, Africa’s regulatory technology sector is gaining global recognition as a key enabler of sustainable growth and inclusive innovation in the financial services industry.

Why the RegTech Africa Awards Matter

The RegTech Africa Awards were established to address the increasing need for digital compliance solutions tailored to Africa’s unique regulatory landscape.

From anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) protocols to supervisory technology (SupTech), digital identity verification, and seamless cross-border payments, these awards spotlight innovations that solve continent-specific challenges.

The platform offers a credible and high-profile stage for homegrown RegTech companies to showcase their cutting-edge solutions, fostering connections with key stakeholders including investors, regulators, and financial institutions.

By honoring trailblazing firms through prestigious categories like the Horizon-100 and Rockstar Awards, the RegTech Africa Awards elevate innovations that not only strengthen the security and efficiency of digital infrastructure but also promote financial inclusion and build consumer trust.

This recognition helps accelerate the adoption of regulatory technologies across Africa, supporting a more transparent, compliant, and inclusive digital economy that benefits businesses, governments, and consumers alike.

About RegTech Africa & the Conference

Organized by RegTech Africa, a premier continental ecosystem builder, the RegTech Africa Conference and Awards convene annually in Lagos, Nigeria.

Drawing over 1,000 participants, the event serves as a dynamic convergence point for regulators, innovators, financial service providers (FSPs), investors, and industry leaders.

Together, they explore pressing themes such as “Unlocking Africa’s Cross-Border Payments, Trade, and Investment Opportunities through Public-Private Partnerships.”

This focused agenda highlights the critical role of collaboration between public institutions and private enterprises in building robust regulatory frameworks, accelerating technology adoption, and fostering inclusive economic growth across the continent.

The conference and awards provide an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, partnership formation, and celebrating the breakthroughs shaping Africa’s regulatory technology landscape.

The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Regulatory Innovation

Public-private partnerships are critical to driving the adoption and scalability of RegTech solutions in Africa. The collaboration between governments, private sector actors, and international organizations can:

1. Promote Harmonized Regulations

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) play a pivotal role in developing standardized regulatory frameworks that facilitate seamless cross-border activities. By aligning regulations across jurisdictions, these partnerships reduce compliance costs, enhance transparency, and foster trust among stakeholders, thereby accelerating regional integration and economic growth.

2. Accelerate Technology Adoption

Governments can stimulate innovation by providing incentives for private sector initiatives, while private entities can deliver cutting-edge technologies that address public sector challenges. This collaborative approach ensures the rapid deployment of solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and accessibility in public services.

3. Build Capacity

Collaborative efforts between public and private sectors can focus on training and upskilling regulators and businesses to effectively utilize RegTech solutions. This capacity building is essential for ensuring that all stakeholders can leverage technology to improve compliance, reduce risks, and enhance service delivery.

4. Enhance Infrastructure

Partnerships can support the development of digital infrastructure required for RegTech implementation, such as broadband connectivity and data centers. Robust infrastructure is the backbone of effective digital solutions, enabling real-time data processing, secure transactions, and scalable services.

Award Tracks: Horizon‑100 & Rockstar Excellence

1. RegTech Horizon‑100 Awards

A curated list of Africa’s top RegTech firms, selected for scalable innovation in areas such as AML, digital identity, compliance automation, and financial inclusion infrastructure. The 2025 list includes standout firms like AML Factory, Seamfix, Vixio, Regfyl, Zone Payment Network, SymphonyAI, and EMTECH. These companies are celebrated for measurable deployment across multiple jurisdictions and sectors.

2. RegTech Rockstar Awards

Introduced in 2025 to spotlight peer-leading achievements in distinct categories. Winners featured across technology, regulation, education, and inclusion themes:

Award	Winner
Regional Integration Champion	RSwitch (Rwanda)
Infrastructure Excellence	WAMI
Regulatory Standards & Compliance	NDIC
Financial Literacy Champion	SANEF
Innovative Super App	CENTBEE
Digital Bank of the Year	9PSB
Digital Excellence in Innovation	Moniepoint
Banking & Payments Tech Innovation	BPC Technologies
Digital Identity Innovation	Sumsub
Media Excellence in Regulation	ThisDay Media
EdTech Impact	PrimeTech Digital

These Rockstar Awards showcase companies reshaping regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and public engagement across the continent.

Key Themes & Ecosystem Insights of the RegTech Africa Awards

1. Regulatory Integrity Meets Tech

As Cyril Okoroigwe, Chair of RegTech Africa, emphasized: “The Horizon‑100 and Rockstar Awards are not just recognition—they’re about building a trusted future for Africa’s digital economy.” Winners are selected for integrity, impact, and regulatory alignment—not merely software innovation.

2. Public-Private Partnerships as Drivers

With the 2025 conference themed around cross‑border payments and AfCFTA ambitions, the Awards reify the need for regulatory frameworks built in tandem with fintech innovation and trade infrastructure.

3. Financial Inclusion as Outcome

Many RegTech solutions emphasize inclusion: whether through customer due diligence that supports informal sector users, AML oversight in mobile money ecosystems, or literacy programs via SANEF.

4. Pan-African Recognition

RegTech Africa’s multi-jurisdictional approach ensures cross-border firms and technologies get visibility across Francophone, Anglophone, and Lusophone markets.

Profiles of Notable RegTech Innovators

1. AML Factory & Seamfix Limited

Several standout companies have earned recognition in the prestigious Horizon-100 rankings at the RegTech Africa Awards for their outstanding contributions to regulatory technology across the continent.

These firms have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in deploying advanced compliance automation, robust identity verification, and effective anti-money laundering (AML) tools tailored to the diverse regulatory environments of multiple African markets.

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and biometric authentication, they help financial institutions and regulators streamline complex compliance processes while enhancing security and transparency.

Their scalable solutions not only reduce operational risks but also promote financial inclusion by enabling trustworthy access to digital financial services.

The RegTech Africa Awards spotlight these innovators, affirming their leadership in driving Africa’s regulatory transformation and supporting the continent’s evolving digital economy. Through this recognition, these companies gain increased visibility, attract investment, and forge strategic partnerships that further accelerate the adoption of RegTech solutions continent-wide.

2. Sumsub

Sumsub, a leading digital identity innovator, was honored with the Digital Identity Innovation Leadership Rockstar Award at the RegTech Africa Awards.

This recognition highlights Sumsub’s cutting-edge AI-driven KYC (Know Your Customer) and KYB (Know Your Business) verification systems, which have been widely adopted by fintech companies and regulators across Africa.

By combining advanced machine learning algorithms with biometric technologies, Sumsub delivers fast, accurate, and secure identity verification solutions that streamline onboarding, enhance compliance, and reduce fraud risks.

Their platform supports seamless integration with various financial services, enabling businesses to meet stringent regulatory requirements while offering customers a smooth and trustworthy experience.

Sumsub’s accolade at the RegTech Africa Awards underscores its pivotal role in advancing digital identity verification, a cornerstone of safe and inclusive financial ecosystems on the continent.

3. Moniepoint, RSwitch & BPC Technologies

Moniepoint received the Digital Excellence in Innovation & Service Delivery award at the RegTech Africa Awards, recognizing its outstanding contributions to enhancing fintech services through innovative technology and seamless customer experiences.

Meanwhile, RSwitch was honored as the Regional Integration Champion, highlighting its pivotal role in fostering interoperability and cross-border payment solutions that facilitate seamless financial transactions across African markets.

Additionally, BPC Technologies was named the Top Innovator in Banking & Payments Tech, showcasing its leadership in delivering scalable, secure, and compliant banking and payment infrastructure solutions.

Each of these companies has demonstrated remarkable scale and impact within regulatory-heavy environments, driving digital transformation while ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.

Their recognition at the RegTech Africa Awards underscores their critical role in shaping Africa’s financial technology landscape and advancing the continent’s journey toward an integrated and inclusive digital economy.

4. WAMI & NDIC

WAMI was honored with the Infrastructure Excellence Rockstar Award at the RegTech Africa Awards for its groundbreaking innovations in digital infrastructure that underpin scalable and secure regulatory technology solutions across Africa.

Their advancements in building robust, reliable platforms have significantly enhanced the capacity of financial institutions and regulators to implement efficient compliance and monitoring systems.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) received the Regulatory Standards & Compliance Rockstar Award in recognition of its leadership in setting high regulatory standards and driving reforms that strengthen financial stability and consumer protection.

NDIC’s proactive approach to regulatory governance has played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, fostering trust and resilience.

Both WAMI and NDIC’s accolades at the RegTech Africa Awards highlight their critical contributions to building the foundational frameworks and infrastructures essential for Africa’s evolving regulatory technology landscape.

5. ThisDay Media & PrimeTech Digital

ThisDay Media was honored at the RegTech Africa Awards for its outstanding contribution to raising awareness about regulatory technology through impactful journalism.

By consistently delivering insightful coverage on RegTech developments, policy changes, and industry trends, ThisDay Media has played a vital role in educating stakeholders and the public on the importance of regulatory innovation in Africa’s digital economy.

At the same time, PrimeTech Digital received recognition as the Most Impactful EdTech Company. The award celebrates PrimeTech Digital’s pioneering efforts in bridging the gap between regulation and education by providing tailored learning solutions that empower regulators, fintech professionals, and businesses.

Through innovative training programs and digital platforms, PrimeTech Digital supports capacity building, helping stakeholders navigate complex regulatory environments more effectively.

Their recognition at the RegTech Africa Awards underscores the essential role of media and education in fostering an informed, skilled, and compliant fintech ecosystem across the continent.

Selection Process: Credible, Transparent & Data-Driven

The RegTech Africa Awards leverage a multi-tiered selection model:

Nomination & Eligibility Review – Open to RegTech firms and ecosystem actors with African deployments.
Directory Screening – Horizon‑100 list is compiled using performance metrics, client impact, scalability and regulatory reach.
Category-Specific Judging – Rockstar Awards winners are selected via a panel evaluating domain expertise, innovation, public impact, and inclusion.
Public-Private Review – Nominees are vetted by regulators, investors, and industry experts to ensure credibility and market alignment .

Impact on Regulation and Innovation

1. Strengthening Regulator Capacity

The awards bring authoritative exposure to vendors working with central banks, tax authorities, and policy bodies—encouraging deployment of SupTech and compliance infrastructure across the continent.

2. Mobilizing Investment & Partnerships

Featuring in Horizon‑100 or winning a Rockstar Award signals maturity and impact, helping companies attract capital and expand across borders.

3. Raising Public Awareness & Trust

Media recognition—like ThisDay Media’s award—educates consumers and businesses on the importance of regulated digital ecosystems.

4. Ecosystem Building & Knowledge Sharing

The awards complement RegTech Africa’s broader ecosystem initiatives—such as the RegTech4Good Challenge and the RegTech Horizon directory—promoting collaboration and sector awareness.

Broader Trends Shaped by RegTech Africa Awards

Pan-African expansion: Winners often have presence across West, East, and Southern Africa, aligning with AfCFTA priorities.
Compliance as competitive edge: Firms that embed AML, KYC, data privacy, and auditability gain market leverage.
Public-private alignment: From central banks to NGOs, collaborations recognized by the awards mirror real-world partnerships.
Multi-sector innovation: The Rockstar Awards featuring fintechs, media, edtech and literacy champions highlight RegTech’s cross-cutting impact.
Inclusion-led compliance: By spotlighting tools that serve low-income users, regulators and fintech converge on inclusion goals.

What’s on the Horizon for RegTech Africa Awards?

As Africa’s regulatory complexity deepens with initiatives like CBDCs, open finance, and AfCFTA, the RegTech Africa Awards will remain essential in shaping trusted, scalable, and inclusive infrastructure for the continent’s digital future.

Looking ahead, the Awards platform is expected to evolve in ways such as:

Launching country-specific tracks (e.g. Francophone hubs).
Expanded milestone recognition for SupTech pilots and CBDC integration.
Regional innovation labs and acceleration programs tied to award cycles.
Greater investor matchmaking and capacity-building for Horizon‑100 firms.
Deeper public engagement and voting layers on inclusion-related categories.

FAQs

What are the RegTech Horizon‑100 Awards?
A curated list of Africa’s top RegTech firms selected for scalable compliance solutions in AML, digital identity, SupTech, and financial inclusion.

What are the Rockstar Awards categories?
Category-specific awards recognizing excellence across innovation areas such as digital identity, integration, regulatory compliance, fintech excellence, and public engagement.

Where and when are the Awards held?
At the RegTech Africa Conference—most recently May 22–23, 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Who decides the winners?
A blend of data-driven ranking (Horizon‑100) and a judging panel comprising regulators, investors, industry experts, and public-voting mechanisms for Rockstar Awards.

What is the broader purpose of the Awards?
To spotlight African-led regulatory tech innovation, foster trust, guide capital flows, strengthen public-private regulatory cooperation, and mobilize inclusive ecosystem growth.

Conclusion

The RegTech Africa Awards represent more than an awards ceremony—they are a marker of progress, collaboration, and innovation at the intersection of regulation and technology.

By honoring firms that successfully bridge policy and technology—from AML Factory to Sumsub, Moniepoint to ThisDay Media—the Awards uplift practical tools and thought leadership that make digital economies safer, smarter, and more inclusive.

As Africa advances into its next development phase—with CBDC frameworks, cross-border financial integration, and data-driven governance—the RegTech Africa Awards will remain a beacon, showcasing the solutions and partnerships needed to build a trusted future for the continent’s tech-enabled transformation.