As Africa’s financial landscape becomes increasingly defined by technology, the demand for digital skills, leadership agility, and innovative thinking is at an all-time high. The Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) is emerging as a major force behind this transformation, empowering financial institutions and professionals to thrive in the digital economy.
FITC’s Managing Director and CEO, Chizor Malize, discusses how the organisation is harnessing innovation, research, and digital learning to shape Africa’s next generation of financial leaders.
- Q: FITC has a long history of driving capacity building in Nigeria’s financial system. How is the institution reinventing itself for the digital era?
A: FITC has always been about foresight — anticipating where the industry is going and preparing institutions and people to thrive there. The digital era has redefined how finance operates, and we’ve adapted by embedding technology into our DNA. Our learning architecture is now fully digitised, our research explores frontier topics like AI in finance and data governance, and our delivery platforms are accessible to professionals anywhere in Africa. We see ourselves as builders of Africa’s knowledge infrastructure — the systems, tools, and mindsets that power transformation.
- Q: Many African financial institutions struggle to keep up with rapid technological change. How is FITC helping them bridge that gap?
A: The challenge is less about technology itself and more about the capacity to adapt. FITC’s programmes focus on digital readiness — equipping leaders and teams with the skills to implement and manage technology-driven change. We deliver practical, problem-solving experiences through digital learning, advisory projects, and leadership labs. Through our ThinKnovation Africa Conference, we also create a space where financial institutions, fintechs, and regulators exchange insights on emerging risks, innovation governance, and the future of financial work.
- Q: You mentioned ThinKnovation — FITC’s flagship conference. What role does that platform play in Africa’s digital transformation conversation?
A: ThinKnovation has evolved into one of Africa’s most important platforms for discussing technology and innovation in finance. It brings together leaders from banking, fintech, cybersecurity, and policy to discuss how technology can drive sustainable growth. The conference’s core value lies in collaboration — connecting regulators, startups, and established institutions to share insights and co-create solutions. For us at FITC, it’s a way to turn thought leadership into actionable strategies for the continent’s digital future.
- Q: Beyond training, FITC is known for its policy and governance advisory work. How does that intersect with digital innovation?
A: Technology without governance creates fragility. FITC’s policy advisory work helps institutions and regulators establish frameworks that promote responsible innovation — balancing speed with stability. We work on issues like data ethics, risk management, cybersecurity, and ESG governance. Our goal is to help financial systems innovate safely. Governance is not an afterthought; it’s the foundation that allows innovation to scale sustainably.
- Q: The intersection of fintech and traditional finance is expanding rapidly across Africa. How does FITC see its role in that convergence?
A: FITC sits right at the centre of that convergence. We are bridging traditional finance and the new digital frontier by fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. Through our training and research, we help banks integrate innovation from fintechs, while guiding fintechs to build strong governance and compliance structures. This cross-pollination is what will define the future of Africa’s financial sector — collaborative, agile, and inclusive. FITC’s job is to provide the intellectual and practical framework to make that possible.
- Q: Looking forward, what’s next for FITC in Africa’s tech and innovation ecosystem?
A: Our vision is to become the continent’s leading innovation and knowledge institution for financial transformation. We’re scaling our digital learning footprint, expanding to new African markets, and building partnerships with technology companies, regulators, and development organisations. We’re also investing heavily in research around the future of work, AI in finance, and digital risk. Ultimately, we’re preparing Africa’s financial professionals for the skills, ethics, and leadership required in a tech-powered world.
- Q: FITC’s digital learning systems have become a model in the industry. Can you share more about the technology powering your e-learning and innovation platforms?
A: Our digital learning ecosystem is powered by advanced LMS platforms that integrate analytics, gamified learning, and adaptive content delivery. We leverage AI to personalise learning experiences and track competency development in real time. This data-driven approach allows us to design programmes that are dynamic, scalable, and directly aligned with evolving market needs. Our aim is to make high-impact learning accessible to every financial professional across Africa — whether they are in Lagos, Nairobi, or Accra.
- Q: How is FITC leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud infrastructure to advance Africa’s financial education space?
A: Technology is no longer a support tool — it’s a core enabler of our mission. We use AI to design learning journeys and simulate decision-making environments. We are also exploring blockchain for credential verification and transparent learning records, which is vital in financial education. Cloud infrastructure allows us to deliver content seamlessly across borders, supporting regional integration and collaboration. These technologies are not abstract concepts at FITC — they are embedded into our operations and the way we deliver value.
As financial services continue to merge with technology, FITC’s mission is more relevant than ever. By reimagining how knowledge is created and shared, the organisation is equipping Africa’s financial sector with the human and institutional capacity to compete in the digital century. For FITC, the future of finance isn’t just about technology — it’s about people empowered by knowledge to drive transformation.
