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South Africa is set to make history as it hosts the landmark 14th Foundation of Islamic Finance Conference, bringing together global scholars, academics and industry experts in Cape Town to discuss the future of ethical finance.
This landmark event is taking place from October 27 to 29, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside. It marks the first time the internationally recognised conference will be held on African soil, positioning South Africa at the centre of global discussions on Islamic finance, ethical investment and sustainable economic development.
Established in 2005, the conference has earned international recognition through academic research, scholarly publications and global partnerships. Previous editions have been hosted in Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, the United Kingdom and Malaysia.
FIFC 2026 is hosted by the University of the Western Cape, organised by iConsult Africa, with INCEIF University, Malaysia, serving as an academic partner.
A conference with a purpose: trust, fairness and transitions
Against a backdrop of growing economic inequality, rapid technological advancement and increasing scrutiny of financial institutions, FIFC 2026 will explore how Islamic finance can contribute towards a more responsible, inclusive and sustainable financial system.
The conference focuses on three central pillars:
- Pillar 1: Trust and institutional integrity: Examining how effective governance, regulation, transparency and accountability can strengthen financial institutions and restore public confidence, with particular emphasis on Shari’ah governance.
- Pillar 2: Fairness and healing a fractured world: Exploring the role of Islamic social finance, Zakah, Waqf, and financial inclusion in addressing inequality, alongside ethical artificial intelligence and responsible financial innovation.
- Pillar 3: Transitions for the future economy: Addressing sustainable finance, climate challenges, green Sukuk, post-conflict reconstruction, digital transformation, and emerging financial technologies.
Together, these pillars seek to demonstrate how Islamic finance can respond to contemporary economic challenges while remaining grounded in ethical principles.
Distinguished leaders and global expertise
The conference will welcome prominent speakers from across the financial, humanitarian, academic, and business sectors, including:
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- Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers Foundation
- Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, World for All Foundation
- Professor Ziyaad Mahomed, Chairman of iConsult Africa and Associate Professor at INCEIF University
- Linda Maqoma, Vice President for Professionals at the Black Business Council
- Dzunani Mathebula, Chairperson of Jumpstart Your Career
Their participation will bring diverse perspectives to discussions on ethical leadership, economic development, social responsibility and the future of finance.
Three days of knowledge, innovation and opportunity
FIFC 2026 offers a programme that combines academic research, specialist masterclasses, industry engagement, an Islamic Finance Expo in the Piazza Exhibition Space throughout all three days, and opportunities to connect with leading international experts. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points will be available for all three specialist masterclasses.
October 27: Strengthening the foundations
The conference opens in the Main Hall with academic research presentations running from 9am to 16:30.
In Queens 1 & 2, Dr Mufti Yousuf Sultan—Certified Shari’ah Advisor and Auditor (CSAA), AAOIFI Master Trainer and Shari’ah Adviser at iConsult Africa—will present Masterclass 1: AAOIFI Shari’ah & Governance Standards from 14:00 to 17:00. The session covers:
- AAOIFI Shari’ah Governance Framework
- Shari’ah Governance Functions in Practice
- Shari’ah Decision-Making Process
- Sukuk and the New Direction
- Gold and the Shari’ah Rules on Trading It
- Interactive Q&A session
October 28: Exploring the future of finance
Academic research presentations continue in the Main Hall from 9am to 16:30. The morning also features the Izdara Takaful Suite Launch covering insurance, advisory, wealth, investment, and rewards in Queens 1 & 2 from 9am to 12:00.
From 14:00 to 16:00, the Izdara Business Networking Session takes place in the Mezzanine Lounge.
In Queens 1 & 2 from 14:00 to 17:00, Associate Professor Dr Ziyaad Mahomed—Chairman of iConsult Africa and Lead Researcher CoE in Social Finance at INCEIF—will present Masterclass 2: AI Ethics in Islamic Banking & Takaful. The session covers:
- Where AI decisions carry Shari’ah consequence
- Algorithmic bias as an ‘adl failure, not just a compliance one
- Personalised pricing vs tabarru’ in takaful
- Generative AI, hallucinated fatwa, and religious authority
- What your Shari’ah Committee should ask the CTO
- Interactive Q&A session
The day concludes with a Gala Dinner in the Banquet Hall from 18:30 for 19:00 to 21:30, attended by distinguished guests, delegates and industry representatives.
October 29: Connecting research with industry
The final day features Islamic Finance presentations in the Main Hall from 9am to 12:30 by students from the International Peace College South Africa (Ipsa).
In Queens 1 & 2 from 9am to 12:00, Dr Mufti Yousuf Sultan presents Masterclass 3: Shari’ah Compliant Digital Assets, Tokenisation and DeFi. The session covers:
- What are digital assets, case studies, use, and how they work
- The Shari’ah debate (Is crypto/Bitcoin māl?)
- Tokenisation
- Decentralised Finance (DeFi)
- Case studies of Shari’ah platforms
- Interactive Q&A session
A dedicated Shari’ah Scholars Forum (open to Shari’ah scholars only) will take place in the Executive Boardroom from 14:00 to 17:00, bringing together invited local and international scholars to discuss industry developments and opportunities for greater collaboration.
Advancing Islamic finance through collaboration
Beyond academic research, FIFC 2026 aims to strengthen cooperation between Shari’ah scholars, financial institutions, researchers and industry professionals, encouraging practical solutions to contemporary financial challenges.
Importantly, the conference is not reserved for Islamic finance specialists. Business owners, students, professionals from conventional financial institutions and members of the public are encouraged to attend.
For South Africa, hosting FIFC 2026 represents an important step towards developing local expertise, strengthening international partnerships and advancing Islamic finance across Africa.
Be part of history. Register today.
For the first time in over two decades, this prestigious international conference is coming to Africa, offering a rare opportunity to learn from leading experts and connect with the people shaping the future of Islamic finance.
With limited seats available and the conference fast approaching, interested participants are encouraged to secure their places without delay.
- Dates: October 27 to 29, 2026
- Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside, Woodstock, Cape Town
- Conference Website: https://fifcsa.co.za/
- Click here to register now
iConsult Africa, October 19, 2026
