The two-day African and Middle East Depositories Association (AMEDA) Conference 2025, hosted for the first time in Nigeria by Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, has officially come to a close. The conference brought together key financial market infrastructure operators, regulators, policymakers, and private sector leaders from across Africa and the Middle East to deliberate on the future of capital markets and the role of financial market infrastructure in shaping economic transformation.

The event, themed “Shaping the Future: Financial Market Infrastructures as Catalysts for Transforming Economies,” provided a robust platform for thought leadership, strategic dialogue, and knowledge exchange.

Sen. Kashim Shettima, the Vice President of Nigeria in a recorded keynote address stated, “In His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, you have not only found an ally in market reform, but also a steward of economic stability. Our administration is committed to strengthening Nigeria’s financial market infrastructures through a deliberate blend of regulation, reform, capital market development strategies, and robust public-private collaboration, frombroadening participation in our capital markets to increasing access to finance for MSMEs and start-ups, and financing infrastructure through green bonds, social bonds and sukuk.”

Abdulla Abdin, the Chairman of AMEDA in his welcome address reinforced the importance of financial market infrastructures in supporting inclusive and innovation-driven economies, “The theme of the conference reflects our deepest awareness of the rapid transformation taking place in the global economy and the role played by the financial market infrastructures in enabling economies to adopt innovation and achieve inclusive growth. AMEDA holds the view that financial infrastructure is not solely a technical tool, it constitutes an essential mechanism for development and a sound basis for incentivising investment, improving transparency, optimising market efficiency, and realising economic integration within the region.”

Haruna Jalo-Waziri, the Vice Chairman of AMEDA and MD/CEO of CSCS, emphasized Nigeria’s bold ambitions and the role of infrastructure in achieving them, “Our country is on a bold journey to grow its economy to a $1tn economy. This ambition is underpinned by a capital market that must evolve in scale, sophistication and inclusiveness. At CSCS, we are proud to support this journey by investing in future-ready infrastructure, enabling investor confidence, building systemic resilience, and partnering with innovators across the financial services value chain.”

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, who was represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Opeyemi George, reiterated the state’s commitment to enabling investment and economic growth. “I am fully committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth. Our goal is to turn Lagos into a shining example of progress, unity, and endless opportunities for everyone who lives and works here.”

Dr Emomotimi Agama, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in his goodwill message, highlighted the pivotal role of capital markets. “We live in an era of accelerated transformation. Financial markets today are active agents of national development, regional integration, and global competitiveness.”

He further noted the importance of the newly enacted Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, which repealed the 2007 Act, “The new law expands SEC’s regulatory powers, enhances investor protection, and introduces frameworks for digital assets and derivatives, aligning Nigeria with global standards.”

Temi Popoola, the Chairman of the Board of CSCS, commended the significance of AMEDA’s presence in Nigeria, “Hosting AMEDA in Nigeria reflects the rising influence of our capital market within the region. This is not just a moment of pride for CSCS but a call to deepen our collaborative efforts in strengthening market infrastructure across borders.”

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.

CSCS Plc extends its heartfelt appreciation to esteemed sponsors whose support made this event possible; Bamboo, CMA, Zenith Bank, Montran, NGX Group, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Afrexim Bank, Chapel Hill Denham, Bank of Industry, Meristem, Tangerine, TCS Bancs, Allianz, FMDQ, Aluko & Oyebode, and Stanbic IBTC Group.

As we look to the future, CSCS encourages continued collaboration among financial market stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East. Together, we can build resilient infrastructures, foster inclusive growth, and unlock new frontiers of innovation and investment. We invite all stakeholders to stay engaged, share insights, and explore new opportunities for partnership as we collectively shape the future of our financial markets.