AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (AlHuda CIBE) has partnered with Ethiopia’s Digaf MFI, naming the institution as the official technology sponsor for the 6th International Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Forum in Addis Ababa.
The event is scheduled to take place on August 17, 2026, under the patronage of the National Bank of Ethiopia, themed “Connecting Global Expertise with Africa’s Emerging Islamic Finance Markets.” The forum will gather global leaders, regulators, financial institutions, FinTech companies, and development organisations to accelerate interest-free finance across the continent.
“We are delighted to welcome Digaf MFI as our Technology Sponsor for the 6th International Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Forum 2026,” said Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer of AlHuda CIBE. “Technology is transforming the future of Islamic finance, and partnerships with innovative organizations such as Digaf MFI strengthen our mission to promote digital, ethical, and inclusive financial solutions across Africa and beyond.”
Digaf MFI, Ethiopia’s digital-first licensed microfinance institution, will support the event’s digital engagement. The partnership aligns with Ethiopia’s evolving financial sector, where digital innovation is creating new opportunities for inclusive economic growth.
Ato Dereje Turi, CEO of Digaf MFI, said: “We are honored to partner with AlHuda CIBE as the Official Technology Sponsor of this prestigious international forum. At Digaf MFI, we believe the future of financial services lies in the integration of technology, innovation, and ethical finance.”
Turi added: “Through Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital lending, agent banking, embedded finance, and Islamic FinTech, we are building a digital-first financial ecosystem that expands access to inclusive and Shariah-compliant financial services. We look forward to collaborating with global industry leaders to accelerate the future of interest-free finance in Ethiopia and across Africa.”
The forum’s agenda includes high-level keynote sessions, expert panel discussions, technical presentations, networking meetings, and the 6th Interest-Free Banking and Takaful Awards 2026.
Background on AlHuda CIBE and Digaf MFI:
- Digaf MFI: The institution utilises alternative data-driven credit scoring and digital payments to expand financial inclusion. It pioneers digital interest-free finance, micro-insurance, and next-generation financial solutions to contribute to Ethiopia’s sustainable economic development.
- AlHuda CIBE: For the past 12 years, the organisation has provided research, advisory consultancy, and education in Islamic banking. It offers services in Islamic financial product development, Shariah advisory, and training workshops, having operated in more than 35 countries.
