Second African Stock Exchange Exhibition focuses on financial inclusion and economic sovereignty
via Lefaso.net4 min read
The second edition of the International African Stock Exchange Exhibition SIBA has opened, aiming to promote stock market culture across Africa. Léa Zagré/Rimtoumda, representing the Minister of Economy and Finance, highlighted the initiative's role in democratizing investment and expanding financial inclusion. She noted the growing interest among African citizens in financial matters and their desire to actively participate in economic financing, viewing this as a collective awareness of the importance of local savings for the continent's economic transformation. The exhibition, themed "Financial markets and financial inclusion: how to bring the Stock Exchange closer to the population?", seeks to remove barriers that keep many citizens from financial markets. The goal is to make the stock market accessible to all, including youth, entrepreneurs, traders, farmers, informal sector actors, and employees, enabling them to secure their future and contribute to economic growth. This aligns with a broader vision of economic sovereignty, encouraging investment in the national economy as a civic act to finance businesses, infrastructure, and development projects using local resources. The technical advisor to the Minister of Economy and Finance emphasized the critical need for financing in African economies, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, young project leaders, and businesses seeking to innovate. Financial markets are presented as a strategic solution to mobiliz
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The Central Bank of West African States BCEAO organized a two-day seminar in Dakar for media professionals from the eight member countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union UMOA. The initiative aims to equip journalists with a better understanding of monetary, financial, and digital challenges shaping the future of the UMOA region, thereby enhancing public understanding of economic issues. Habib Thiam, Secretary General of the BCEAO, welcomed participants on behalf of Governor Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, highlighting that this is the second such event, following one in 2013, demonstrating the Central Bank's commitment to sustained dialogue with economic media. Thiam emphasized that the BCEAO operates in a rapidly changing environment marked by geopolitical tensions, economic shifts, security concerns, and technological advancements, necessitating continuous adaptation of its policies. The BCEAO seeks to foster a communication approach based on proximity, education, and anticipation to make its decisions more transparent and promote public understanding of monetary policies. Journalists are seen as crucial intermediaries, simplifying complex subjects and strengthening the public's economic and financial literacy. The seminar's agenda covers the BCEAO's missions, monetary policy mechanisms, financial stability, the UMOA banking system, economic financing, digitalization, financial inclusion, and financial education. Special attention is given to payment systems and in
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