The Securities and Exchange Commission has called for joint efforts to drive transformational financial markets across Africa and the Middle East.

SEC director-general Emomotimi Agama made this call at the 2025 Africa and Middle East Depositories Association Conference in Lagos on Thursday.

Mr Agama said embracing transformational finance is key to staying globally competitive. He noted this would help build robust capital markets, enhance financial inclusion, and foster regional economic growth and development.

He added that transformational finance deepens inclusion, attracts capital for infrastructure and climate growth, and builds trust across the region.

“The Africa and Middle East regions, though historically underrepresented, are gaining significant momentum,” he said.

Mr Agama described the regions as emerging frontiers of innovation and growth, with collaboration essential to global financial relevance.

Mr Agama urged that all market infrastructures must be digitally advanced, resilient, and ready for the future. He highlighted the SEC’s digital transformation journey, including real-time market surveillance systems and expanded investor data platforms.

According to him, these efforts aim to support innovation and enable credible alternative asset classes in the market.

Haruna Jalo-Waziri, CSCS CEO, encouraged delegates to drive market transformation in the region. He stressed the need amid digital disruption, demographic shifts, geopolitical tensions, and climate change.

He called for resilient markets, inclusive access, sustainable investments, and regional integration across Africa and the Middle East. Mr Jalo-Waziri urged the audience to reflect deeply on the future of financial market infrastructure.

He said achieving Nigeria’s proposed $1 trillion economy requires a more inclusive and sophisticated capital market. He stressed that these questions are vital as Nigeria aims to reach a $1 trillion economy.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, chairman of Access Holdings, restated regional cooperation to build financial infrastructure. He urged AMEDA members to pool resources, share best practices, and leverage regional strengths.

Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has praised CSCS for driving innovation and excellence in Nigeria’s capital market. He commended CSCS’s leadership in AMEDA and its role in shaping regional financial best practices.

Mr Sanwo-Olu noted financial markets are powerful engines for economic transformation through resource mobilisation and entrepreneurship. He stressed the importance of strong infrastructure — both physical and digital — for enabling economic progress.

(NAN)