AFIS 2024 | Connected capital markets: Unlocking intra-Africa stock trading (EN)

Chair
- Nezha HAYAT / President, Moroccan Capital Market Authority

Speakers
- Gokhan KONT / FIG NA Regional Industry Manager, IFC
- Lina TONUI / Project Manager, African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP)
- Mike OGBALU / CEO, PAPSS
- Felix AMENOUNVE / Managing Director, BRVM
- Emomotimi John AGAMA / Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Expert
- Kaouthar MEHREZ / Managing Partner, Galite Partners

Moderator
- Ramatoulaye GOUDIABY / Director AFIS, Jeune Afrique Media Group

Intra-African trade has seen growth, yet it remains only 15% of total trade—far below Europe’s 68%. The African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP), launched in December 2022, connects over 2,000 companies with a combined market capitalisation of $1.5 trillion, aiming to facilitate crossborder securities trading and boost market transparency across seven African exchanges. Through increased liquidity and investment attraction, AELP has the potential to drive economic growth.
However, challenges such as regulatory fragmentation, settlement and clearing complexities, and infrastructure gaps must be addressed to unlock its full potential. How can the AELP advance its goals while fostering essential regulatory and settlement reforms to build long-term competitiveness?

Key points:
- How can the AELP enhance the global competitiveness of African capital markets?
- What regulatory and monetary reforms are needed to maximize the platform’s impact on intra-African trade?
- How can we ensure that SMEs and other small businesses fully benefit from the integration of African stock exchanges?

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