The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Uganda, in partnership with the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE), successfully hosted the East Africa Capital Markets Conference (EACMC 2025) at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel under the theme “Shaping East Africa’s Capital Markets through Digital Transformation and Sustainable Finance.”
The two-day regional conference, held from October 16–17, 2025, brought together policymakers, regulators, CEOs of regional securities exchanges, fund managers, issuers, investors, and thought leaders from across the East African Community (EAC). The event provided a platform for dialogue on emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the future of the region’s capital markets.
In her opening remarks, Mrs Josephine Okui Ossiya, Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Markets Authority Uganda, reaffirmed the region’s collective commitment to innovation, sustainability, and integration.
She underscored the CMA’s efforts to harness technology through adaptive regulation, particularly via the recently launched regulatory sandbox, which enables fintechs and innovators to test new products in a controlled environment.
“This conference is more than a meeting of markets; it is a convergence of ideas, innovation, and ambition,” said Mrs Ossiya. “Digital transformation and sustainability are not optional; they are the pillars on which the future of East Africa’s capital markets will be built. Through collaboration, we can unlock new avenues for investment, inclusion, and long-term growth.”
Mrs Ossiya also highlighted the success of the Deal Flow Facility, a partnership between CMA, FSD Uganda, and the European Union, which has matched 52 companies with investors, representing potential transactions worth over USD 30 million. “Already, four of these companies have successfully closed deals amounting to USD 6.1 million,” she revealed, noting that such initiatives are central to deepening Uganda’s investment ecosystem and driving inclusive growth.
Technology and Integration Driving the Future
Speaking at the same event, Mr Paul Bwiso, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Securities Exchange and Chairperson of the East African Securities Exchanges Association (EASEA), emphasised that technology is transforming how capital markets operate across the region—making investment more inclusive, efficient, and accessible to ordinary citizens.
“Technology is transforming how capital markets operate across East Africa, making investment more inclusive and accessible than ever before,” said Mr Bwiso. “Through initiatives like the USE Easy Portal and digital account opening via MTN and Airtel, we are bringing the markets directly to the palm of the citizenry.”
He added that regional integration remains central to building resilient, liquid, and competitive markets across East Africa. “By leveraging technology and sustainable finance, we can strengthen investor confidence and position East Africa as a competitive investment destination on the continent,” he said.
Government Commends Progress Toward Regional Integration
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development—represented by Mr Moses Ogwapus, Commissioner, Financial Services Department—commended CMA Uganda and its partners for their leadership in advancing regional capital market integration and innovation.
“Capital markets play a crucial role in mobilising long-term financing for our national development agenda,” said Mr Ogwapus. “They are key to achieving Uganda’s tenfold growth ambition and implementing the Fourth National Development Plan. We applaud CMA Uganda for providing platforms like the EACMC that promote dialogue, innovation, and partnership.”
Launch of the East African Exchanges 20 Share Index
A major highlight of the conference was the launch of the East African Exchanges (EAE) 20 Share Index, a landmark initiative by EASEA and CMA Uganda aimed at enhancing market visibility, promoting cross-listing, and deepening regional integration among East African securities exchanges.
The new regional index is expected to provide investors with a comprehensive benchmark for tracking the performance of leading companies listed on East Africa’s major exchanges, including those in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Charting the Future of East Africa’s Capital Markets
The two-day conference featured high-level panels and fireside chats with prominent industry leaders and policymakers, exploring the future of East Africa’s financial markets.
Key discussion topics included: the Future of East Africa’s Capital Markets and Regional Integration, Digital Transformation and Sustainable Finance, Success Stories and Investment Opportunities in Capital Markets and why ESG and Sustainability Reporting are Critical to East African Capital Markets.
Panellists included a distinguished lineup of regional leaders: Frank Mwiti, CEO, Nairobi Securities Exchange; Peter Nalitolela, CEO, Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange; Celestin Rwabukumba, CEO, Rwanda Stock Exchange and Chairman, ASEA; Jesse Kagoma, CEO, Central Depository & Settlement Corporation (CDSC), Kenya; and David Wainaina, Chairman, EASEA Technical Committee.
Their discussions underscored the need for collaboration, innovation, and harmonisation of regulatory frameworks to boost regional competitiveness and investor confidence.
Innovation and Sustainability: The New Growth Frontier
Delegates agreed that digital transformation and sustainability are no longer peripheral issues but central drivers of future market growth. With the global shift toward green and sustainable investing, East African markets are positioning themselves to attract responsible capital by embedding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards into corporate reporting and investment decisions.
Panellists noted that embracing fintech innovation—from digital onboarding and e-trading platforms to blockchain-based clearing systems—will enhance transparency, efficiency, and financial inclusion, allowing more retail investors to participate in the markets.
In closing, Mrs Ossiya reaffirmed CMA Uganda’s commitment to fostering innovation, investor protection, and market growth through collaboration with regional and international partners.
“Our ambition is to make East Africa a destination for capital—not just consumption,” she said. “By embracing sustainable finance and digital transformation, we are laying the foundation for an integrated, innovative, and inclusive regional capital market.”