The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Uganda, in partnership with the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE), has successfully hosted the East Africa Capital Markets Conference (EACMC 2025), a landmark regional forum aimed at advancing digital transformation and sustainable finance across East Africa’s capital markets.
Held at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel from October 16–17 under the theme “Shaping East Africa’s Capital Markets through Digital Transformation and Sustainable Finance,” the two-day conference attracted policymakers, regulators, CEOs of regional exchanges, fund managers, investors, and thought leaders from across the East African Community (EAC).
In her opening address, CMA Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Josephine Okui Ossiya, underscored the region’s shared vision for innovation and integration. She highlighted the role of CMA’s regulatory sandbox in fostering innovation, noting that it allows for the testing of new products and technologies in a controlled environment.
“This conference is more than a meeting of markets; it is a convergence of ideas, innovation, and ambition. Digital transformation and sustainability are not optional—they are the pillars on which the future of East Africa’s capital markets will be built,” said Mrs. Ossiya.
She also cited the success of the Deal Flow Facility, a CMA partnership with FSD Uganda and the European Union, which has matched 52 companies with investors, unlocking potential deals worth over USD 30 million and closing USD 6.1 million in funding so far.
USE Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the East African Securities Exchanges Association (EASEA), Mr. Paul Bwiso, emphasized the role of technology and cross-border cooperation in deepening market integration.
“Technology is transforming how capital markets operate across East Africa, making investment more inclusive and accessible. The USE Easy Portal and mobile-based account opening with MTN and Airtel are bringing markets directly to the people,” Mr. Bwiso noted.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development—represented by Mr. Moses Ogwapus—commended CMA’s leadership in strengthening the capital markets ecosystem, which he said is vital for mobilizing long-term financing to support Uganda’s tenfold growth agenda and National Development Plan IV.
During the event, the East African Securities Exchanges Association, together with CMA Uganda, unveiled the East African Exchanges (EAE) 20 Share Index—a regional initiative aimed at boosting cross-listing, visibility, and integration across EAC exchanges.
The conference featured high-level panels and discussions on topics such as regional integration, ESG reporting, and investment opportunities, with regional market leaders including Frank Mwiti (Nairobi Securities Exchange), Celestin Rwabukumba (Rwanda Stock Exchange), and Peter Nalitolela (Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange).
Delegates agreed that digital innovation, sustainable finance, and regional cooperation are the cornerstones for building resilient and globally competitive capital markets in East Africa.