COMPLYFEST 2026 urges innovation as evolving regulations reshape governance, risk and compliance

Industry leaders at COMPLYFEST 2026 have called on African businesses to embrace innovation, technology and collaboration to strengthen governance, risk and compliance (GRC) frameworks amid an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

The conference, held in Lagos under the theme, “Driving Governance, Risk & Compliance Through Innovation,” attracted more than 250 participants, including regulators, compliance officers, risk managers, legal practitioners, technology providers, financial institutions, fintech operators and business executives from across Africa’s financial ecosystem.

Participants examined how organisations can respond to rapid digital transformation, rising financial crime risks, evolving regulatory requirements and increasing stakeholder expectations while maintaining operational resilience and sustainable growth.

Discussions at the conference covered regulatory transformation, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, financial crime prevention, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data governance, enterprise risk management, corporate governance and the use of technology to improve compliance processes.

Delivering the keynote address titled “The Ethics Advantage Beyond Regulation: Driving Sustainable Growth Through Governance, Risk and Compliance Innovation in Africa’s Digital Economy,” governance expert Ayobami Adisa urged organisations to integrate ethics, innovation and sound governance into their business strategies.

Adisa said organisations that embed strong governance and compliance into their operations would be better positioned to build resilience, attract investment, strengthen stakeholder confidence and achieve sustainable growth in Africa’s expanding digital economy.

Speakers throughout the conference stressed that governance, risk and compliance should no longer be viewed solely as regulatory obligations but as strategic tools that support investor confidence, operational efficiency, business continuity and long-term organisational success.

Speaking at the event, COMPLYFEST Convener Chioma Anusiobi said businesses must rethink traditional compliance models and embrace technology-driven solutions to remain competitive.

“The future of Governance, Risk and Compliance will be shaped by organisations that are willing to innovate, adapt and collaborate,” Anusiobi said.

“As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, businesses must rethink traditional approaches and embrace technology-enabled solutions that strengthen resilience while supporting growth. COMPLYFEST was created to facilitate these important conversations and provide a platform for learning, collaboration, and industry advancement.”

Participants also called for stronger collaboration among regulators, industry practitioners, technology providers, and business leaders to build more responsive compliance ecosystems capable of addressing emerging risks.

According to the conference organisers, greater information sharing, cross-sector partnerships, and sustained investment in innovative compliance technologies will be essential to strengthening governance across industries.

The conference featured presentations from governance and compliance professionals, including Emmanuel Abu, Oluwasegun Ojumola, Eme Lorna Ekanem, Oluwafisoye Dairo, Tolulope Babafemi, Adesola Oguntimeyin and Victor Oluwatomiwa Adenekan, who shared practical insights into emerging regulatory trends and effective risk management strategies.

The organisers also acknowledged the support of sponsors and strategic partners, including Regfyl, Yellow Card, and Platview Technologies, for supporting professional development and collaboration within the governance and compliance ecosystem.

Beyond the technical sessions, COMPLYFEST 2026 provided networking opportunities for professionals across sectors, enabling participants to exchange ideas and explore partnerships aimed at strengthening governance, risk management, and compliance practices across Africa.

Organisers said the successful conclusion of the 2026 edition reinforces COMPLYFEST’s growing role as a leading platform for thought leadership, knowledge sharing, and professional engagement within Africa’s Governance, Risk and Compliance community.