The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has called for stronger institutional cooperation with Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) to deepen Africa-Asia capital market linkages.

NGX Group chairman, Umaru Kwairanga, made the call in a statement following a meeting with HKEX officials in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Mr Kwairanga described HKEX as a leading global exchange group and a strategic gateway connecting international capital with Asian markets.

He said NGX Group shared a similar ambition within Africa to build globally competitive market infrastructure that supports economic development, innovation and efficient capital allocation.

According to him, modern exchanges are evolving beyond traditional trading platforms into drivers of economic growth, technological advancement and international capital connectivity.

He said exchanges now play important roles in sustainable finance, innovation and the efficient mobilisation of investment across borders.

Mr Kwairanga stressed that stronger partnerships between exchanges would be critical to deepening financial linkages and investment flows between Africa and Asia.

“I propose the establishment of a formal cooperation framework between NGX and HKEX, including annual executive meetings, technical working groups and knowledge-sharing programmes,” he said.

He said collaboration could also cover cross-border listings, depositary receipt structures, exchange-traded funds, investor access initiatives and broader capital market integration.

Mr Kwairanga expressed interest in learning from HKEX’s experience in exchange technology, artificial intelligence, market surveillance and digital infrastructure development.

He added that NGX was keen to explore HKEX’s expertise in data commercialisation, product innovation and advanced market operations.

On sustainable finance, he identified green finance, climate disclosure, and environmental, social and governance reporting as potential areas for cooperation.

The chairman also highlighted transition finance and carbon market development as opportunities for joint initiatives between both exchanges.

He proposed executive exchange programmes, technical secondments, staff training, joint research projects and market development initiatives to strengthen institutional capacity.

According to him, such engagements would enhance knowledge transfer and support the long-term development of both capital markets.

Mr Kwairanga further suggested annual investment forums, joint investor conferences and issuer roadshows to showcase opportunities across both regions.

He said collaborative research publications could also help attract international investors by highlighting opportunities in African and Asian markets.

The NGX chairman noted that stronger cooperation would deepen market integration, increase investor participation and support sustainable economic growth across both continents.

(NAN)