By Raymond Akorede
The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) and key leaders from the African and Middle East Depositories Association (AMEDA) have emphasized the critical role of robust market infrastructure and inclusive growth in unlocking innovation and transforming African capital markets.
This message was echoed throughout the two-day AMEDA Conference 2025, hosted for the first time in Nigeria, a milestone hailed as a significant recognition of the country’s growing influence in the regional financial ecosystem.
Temi Popoola, Chairman of the Board of CSCS, described the event as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s capital market.
“Hosting AMEDA in Nigeria reflects the rising influence of our capital market within the region,” Popoola said. “This is not just a moment of pride for CSCS but a call to deepen our collaborative efforts in strengthening market infrastructure across borders.”
He highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue and partnerships in enabling innovation and improving cross-border investment frameworks.
“The AMEDA Conference 2025 was not only a resounding success but also a catalyst for ongoing conversations around cross-border investment, market infrastructure innovation, and regulatory cooperation,” he added.
Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Vice Chairman of AMEDA and Managing Director/CEO of CSCS, connected these discussions to Nigeria’s broader economic ambitions.
“Our country is on a bold journey to grow its economy to a $1 trillion economy,” he noted. “This ambition is underpinned by a capital market that must evolve in scale, sophistication, and inclusiveness.”
He stressed that unlocking capital and innovation would require systemic reforms, deeper investor participation, and stronger infrastructure to support the next phase of economic transformation.
Chairman of AMEDA, Abdulla Abdin, also emphasized the importance of financial market infrastructures in enabling sustainable economic growth.
“The theme of this conference reflects our deepest awareness of the rapid transformation taking place in the global economy,” Abdin said. “Financial market infrastructures play a crucial role in enabling economies to adopt innovation and achieve inclusive growth.”
The conference brought together market operators, regulators, and development partners from across Africa and the Middle East to explore solutions for deepening regional market integration, enhancing investor confidence, and fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
As conversations continue beyond the conference, participants say the real work lies in translating these strategic discussions into actionable reforms that promote sustainable investment and innovation across borders.
