The three-day meeting, which closed on Friday, November 28, brought together more than 25 stock exchanges, policymakers, institutional investors, and development partners, all converging on Rwanda's capital to map out strategies for a more interconnected, resilient, and investment-friendly Africa.
RSE unveils multicurrency trading platform
One of the most significant announcements came from the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE), which launched its Multicurrency Denominated Securities Market Segment (MDS). The new platform will allow securities to be issued and traded in various global and regional currencies, a move expected to deepen market liquidity, attract diverse investors, and simplify cross-border trading.
"This development supports diversified investment opportunities, enhanced market depth, and improved cross-border capital flow efficiency," said RSE.
New green exchange window targets sustainable finance
Sustainability also took centre stage with the unveiling of the Green Exchange Window, another RSE-led innovation. The dedicated platform will facilitate the listing and trading of green bonds, ESG-linked products, and environmentally focused instruments.
The initiative positions Kigali as an emerging hub for sustainable finance in Africa, offering investors greater transparency and expanding avenues for climate-aligned investment.
Delegates said the window is poised to play an essential role in mobilising capital for renewable energy projects, climate adaptation, and conservation efforts, areas expected to attract growing international interest.
ASEA strengthens commitments on cross-border market linkages
At the forum, ASEA members renewed pledges under the African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP), an initiative that seeks to boost cross-border trading by harmonising technology and market infrastructure. The commitment supports wider goals of building deeper, more unified African capital markets capable of attracting global institutional capital.
In a virtual address, the Secretary General of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) highlighted the alignment between ASEA's market integration agenda and the AfCFTA Investment Protocol. He stressed that stronger governance and liquidity will be crucial as Africa positions itself for enhanced competitiveness.
'I believe that the ACFTA protocol on investment is well poised to position our continent for competitiveness. This is where your work becomes indispensable by deepening liquidity, strengthening governance and enhancing cross-border cooperation. Africa's Securities exchanges are shifting our economies from dependence on short-term lending to more diversified, resilient financial systems'.
Africa launches its first Pan-African ESG awards
Another highlight of the Kigali conference was the inauguration of the Pan-Africa ESG Awards, the continent's first awards dedicated to recognising excellence in environmental stewardship, social impact, and corporate governance.
The awards aim to set new standards in sustainability reporting and encourage companies to adopt stronger ESG practices in line with global investment trends.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, ASEA President and CEO of the Rwanda Stock Exchange, Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, praised the collective resolve displayed at the conference.
'Hosting ASEA 2025 has demonstrated what is possible when African markets come together with a shared vision,' he said. 'The initiatives launched here, including the Pan-African ESG Awards and the Multicurrency Denominated Securities Market Segment, signal a new chapter for our continent. Rwanda is proud to contribute to a future where Africa's markets are more integrated, more innovative, and more globally competitive.'
The Kigali conference reaffirmed Africa's commitment to advancing regulatory harmonisation, expanding sustainable finance, strengthening commodities and derivatives markets, and integrating digital infrastructure across exchanges.
As the continent steps up efforts to build more open and resilient capital markets, the measures unveiled in Kigali are expected to shape the next phase of Africa's financial integration agenda.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
