The African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) Concludes the 2025 Annual Conference in Kigali with Landmark Market Integration Announcements, New Market Segments, and Africa’s First Pan-African ESG Awards
Kigali, Rwanda — November 28th, 2025:
The African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) has officially concluded its 28th Annual Conference, a three-day continental gathering that united policymakers, capital market leaders, institutional investors, and development partners to chart the future of Africa’s financial markets.
Hosted in Kigali, the conference convened more than 25 African stock exchanges, regional bodies, government institutions, and global investment partners. Discussions focused on deepening market integration, enhancing regulatory cooperation, and driving sustainable capital flows across Africa.
The conference was graced by the Minister of Finance & Economic Planning, Honorable Yussuf Murangwa. In his remarks, he emphasized building a strong equity culture rooted in innovation, risk-sharing, and long-term investment as essential for wealth creation, resilience, and sustainable economic transformation across the continent.
“The Exchanges have proven over time they can offer great alternatives of funding platforms to businesses and governments, at the same time offering attractive opportunities of investment in various securities and promoting a responsible savings and investment culture in African economies.”
Throughout the three-day event, delegates engaged in policy forums, technical workshops, and high-level dialogues addressing key priorities including:
- Strengthening cross-border cooperation to build robust, integrated African markets
- Boosting intra-African investment and enhancing market resilience
- Unlocking the potential of commodities and derivatives markets for economic transformation and food security
- Advancing digital infrastructure to support efficient and transparent markets
- Scaling sustainable finance frameworks and reinforcing ESG-driven investment ecosystems
1. Strengthened Commitments Under the African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP)
Participating exchanges reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cross-border trading, harmonizing infrastructure, and deepening liquidity across African markets.
2. Launch of the Multicurrency Denominated Securities Market Segment (MDS)
A major milestone of ASEA 2025 was the rollout of the Multicurrency Denominated Securities Market Segment by the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE). This segment enables the issuance and trading of securities in multiple currencies, paving the way for diversified investment opportunities, increased market depth, and improved capital-flow efficiency across the continent.
3. Cooperation with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
The AfCFTA Secretariat highlighted ongoing cooperation with ASEA on synergies between institutions to enhance competitiveness and cross-border investment.
The Secretary General emphasized:
“I believe that the AfCFTA protocol on investment is well poised to position our continent for competitiveness. Africa’s Securities Exchanges are shifting our economies from dependence on short-term lending to more diversified resilient financial systems.”
4. Launch of the Green Exchange Window
ASEA 2025 also marked the launch of the Green Exchange Window by the Rwanda Stock Exchange—Africa’s first dedicated platform for green bonds, ESG-linked securities, and environmentally focused financial instruments.
The initiative underscores Africa’s commitment to sustainable development, offering transparent opportunities for investors to support climate, renewable-energy, and environmental projects.
5. Official Launch of the Pan-Africa ESG Awards
ASEA introduced the first-ever ASEA Pan-Africa ESG Awards, celebrating outstanding African companies and market institutions in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and strong governance practices—setting a new benchmark for sustainable finance across the continent.
During the closing ceremony, delegates reaffirmed their shared commitment to accelerating Africa’s capital-market transformation. Speaking on behalf of the host exchange, RSE Chief Executive Officer Pierre Celestin RWABUKUMBA stated:
“Hosting ASEA 2025 has demonstrated what is possible when African markets come together with a shared vision. The initiatives launched here—including the Pan-African ESG Awards and the Multicurrency Denominated Securities Market Segment—signal a new chapter for the continent. Rwanda is proud to contribute to a future where Africa’s markets are more integrated, more innovative, and more globally competitive."
About RSE
The Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE), incorporated in 2005 and officially launched in 2011, currently lists 10 companies—five domestic and five cross-listed from Kenya and South Africa. RSE also operates a standalone fixed-income board and drives key initiatives to deepen Rwanda’s capital markets.
About ASEA
The African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA), established in 1993, is the premier association of securities exchanges in Africa. Representing 25 exchanges in 37 African countries, ASEA promotes capital market development, fosters collaboration, and works closely with member exchanges to unlock the full potential of African economies.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Rwanda Stock Exchange
Phone: +250 788516021
Email: info@rse.rw
