MEA Connect: An insider view on the event

Caroline Béguin: Why was Connect created in the first place?

Camil Bennani-Smires: Connect started three years ago and reflects the transformation taking place within SBS. We wanted to become more client-centric and more market-led, and Connect embodies that ambition. The first edition took place in Abidjan in 2023 under the sponsorship of Raoul Fomeny and Éric Bierry. It was the first event of this kind organized at SBS. Our objective was to strengthen client intimacy and demonstrate how our solutions address local market realities. It was originally designed as a one-day event, but it proved to be such a success that we expanded with editions in Marrakech and Casablanca. This year, we are holding events in both Douala and Abidjan. The format has also inspired other SBS regions, which now organize their own Connect events every year to discuss strategic, operational, and product topics with clients.

Caroline Béguin: How has the event evolved over the years?

Camil Bennani-Smires: First of all, I have to recognize the incredible team behind the event. They accomplish miracles every year, managing complex logistics and selecting highly relevant topics. The first edition was almost a test. But over the years, we have gone deeper by offering more presentations, more product demonstrations, and more executive meetings with clients. We discuss both strategic and operational topics. With more than 240 banks using Amplitude, having many of our customers gathered in one place is a unique opportunity. Typically, between 150 and 200 people attend Connect. Its evolution has really been driven by the enthusiasm and commitment of our clients.

Caroline Béguin: Is the success of previous editions the only reason there are two events this year?

Camil Bennani-Smires: Not at all. Amplitude is the leading core banking solution in French-speaking Africa, with around 60% market share in West and Central Africa. The idea behind organizing two events is to stay close to our clients and the realities of each market. In Douala, we will focus more on microfinance and operational efficiency. In Abidjan, while microfinance remains important, we will dedicate more attention to digital transformation, data, AI, payment projects, and cross-border operations for banking groups.

Caroline Béguin: How does the event reflect the social and economic realities of each host region?

Camil Bennani-Smires: Certain topics will be common to both events, especially around innovation, AI, data, and the openness of our platform through APIs, which I believe is a real game changer for banking in Africa. But each event also addresses local priorities. In Douala, we will focus on operational topics and showcase examples from microfinance institutions. In Abidjan, we will spend more time discussing data, AI, and payment-related projects.

Caroline Béguin: Can you give an example of how the same topic will be approached differently in Douala and Abidjan?

Camil Bennani-Smires: In Douala, where many microfinance institutions are present, we will organize practical workshops and focus on operational challenges. In Abidjan, the conversation will be more centered on how to industrialize the customer data journey and leverage technology at scale. So while the themes are similar, the approach differs according to the needs of each market.

Caroline Béguin: Can we expect any surprises this year?

Camil Bennani-Smires: An MEA Connect without surprises wouldn’t be a true MEA Connect. Unfortunately, I can’t reveal anything, otherwise I might get into trouble with our amazing marketing team. But yes, there will definitely be surprises.

Caroline Béguin: One important theme of Connect 2026 will be the need for tailored financial services. Last year, SBS published its first “Banking is Local” article, which highlighted how digital wallets transformed the lives of millions of people in Africa. How can banks adapt their services to the needs of their customers?

Camil Bennani-Smires: In any industry, if you start from customer needs, you are already close to the right answer. Young urban populations want instant and fully digital services. Small businesses and artisans need easy access to financing and treasury tools. Farmers and people living in remote areas require accessible distribution networks and financial products adapted to their realities. Corporates need sophisticated treasury capabilities, cross-border payments, and support for regulatory requirements. All these needs have one thing in common: they require a modular core banking platform capable of serving multiple client segments. This is exactly what SBS and Amplitude are designed to provide.

Caroline Béguin: What are the most urgent or underserved needs in the MEA region today?

Camil Bennani-Smires: Without any doubt, financial inclusion remains the biggest challenge. It has been discussed for years, but it is still highly relevant and very close to my heart. A large part of the population still lacks access to essential financial services such as loans or insurance, which can significantly improve people’s lives. At Amplitude, our mission is to stay close to market needs, provide rapid time-to-market, ensure cost efficiency, and accelerate implementations. I believe financial inclusion is one of the core missions shared by SBS teams, especially the Amplitude teams, who are doing an amazing job every day.

Caroline Béguin: Do you have examples of banks helping transform access to financial services?

Camil Bennani-Smires: We actually have many examples through the 40 microfinance institutions using Amplitude. One example is Scolaris Finance in Mali, whose mission is to help families finance their children’s education. We support them through their transition to Amplitude. Another example is MUCODEC in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has undergone a major transformation and digitized many of its services. We also work with Advans Group, which operates subsidiaries across Africa. They are engaged in a remarkable transformation, digitizing processes and improving efficiency. What is especially valuable is that these institutions help us improve our own products through co-design and close collaboration.

Caroline Béguin: What are the main obstacles to this adaptation?

Camil Bennani-Smires: Financing remains one of the biggest challenges. Institutions need to invest in their operations and core banking infrastructure. That is why we focus on fast implementation and cost efficiency. Another key challenge is technology itself. Institutions need a robust and modular foundation that allows them to focus on serving customers rather than worrying about their systems. That’s why we work hard to make Amplitude as stable, reliable, and efficient as possible.

Caroline Béguin: How far can banks push personalization without sacrificing efficiency or profitability?

Camil Bennani-Smires: Personalization builds trust, and trust is essential in every business. Today, the limits have moved considerably. With data, AI, and increasingly powerful computing capabilities, banks can process more information and deliver more personalized services than ever before. The challenge is no longer whether personalization is possible. It is about scaling it and using it to drive growth. That is where SBS continues to innovate and support clients in achieving their ambitions.

Caroline Béguin: Thank you very much, Camil, for sharing your insights with us. I look forward to Connect MEA 2026.

Camil Bennani-Smires: Thank you very much. It was a pleasure.