NAIROBI, Kenya, April 1 – The East African Securities Exchanges Association (EASEA) concluded its 34th consultative meeting at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), with discussions centered on regional integration, market development, and technological advancements in the capital markets.
The deliberations held from March 19th to March 21st brought together key executives from stock exchanges across East Africa in discussions aimed at streamlining capital markets across the region.
Likewise, the industry players assert that they are keen on advancing the regional integration agenda outlined in the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol.
A key milestone in this effort is the development of a regional stock market index, which was approved by the Executive Committee on March 21, 2025.
Outgoing Chairman Rwabukumba urged members to embrace technology in facilitating cross-border trading, particularly through the ongoing Capital Market Infrastructure (CMI) project.
He noted that as Phase 1 of the project nears completion, the second phase will attract additional markets from within and beyond the EAC member states.
“As we come to the completion of Phase 1 of the project, the second phase of this project will attract additional markets from within and beyond the EAC member states.
EASEA Strategic Initiatives The following strategic initiatives were discussed and agreed upon by EASEA members for follow-up and implementation: “One Market, Infinite Opportunities.”
The meeting also saw the approval of five new full members to EASEA, including the Somali Stock Exchange, Burundi Securities Exchange, CSD Rwanda, Ethiopia Securities Exchange, and the National Securities Exchange of Somalia.
The Association further endorsed the launch of the East Africa Capital Markets Index in April 2025, which will track the top five listed companies from each of the four major stock exchanges in the region.
Additionally, the progress of the CMI project was reviewed, with approval to transition into Phase 2, involving a dedicated technical working group supported by a development partner.
Addressing challenges in dividend payments, members agreed to phase out cheque-based transactions with support from the East Africa Securities Exchanges Regulatory Authority (EASRA).
The 34th EASEA meeting reinforced the commitment of East African securities exchanges to regional economic integration, enhanced investor confidence, and modernized trading frameworks.
By leveraging technology, sustainability principles, and new market developments, EASEA aims to foster a more interconnected and resilient financial ecosystem within the region.
