Rwanda plans to establish a Capital Market Academy, an initiative meant for building a skilled workforce and promoting the country as an attractive investment hub.
This is according to Rwanda Capital Market Authority (CMA), a specialised organ with the dual mandate for developing and regulating the capital markets industry, commodities exchange and related contracts, warehouse receipts systems and collective investment schemes.
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The aim of the academy is to offer thorough instruction and training programmes tailored to different stakeholders' needs in the capital market and commodity exchange ecosystems such as investors, financial professionals, regulators, and policymakers.
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"The establishment of a Rwandan Capital Market Academy represents a strategic investment in human capital development and institutional capacity building, with far-reaching implications for the growth, stability, and inclusivity of Rwanda's capital market,” said Thapelo Tsheole, the CMA Chief Executive Officer.
"By providing education, training, research, and outreach activities, the academy will empower individuals, strengthen institutions, and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the nation.”
The academy is part of a broader Rwanda Capital Market Development (R-CAMD) project, scheduled to be implemented between 2025 and 2029 whose total funding is 4.1 million Units of Account, equivalent to more than $5.5 million (approx. Rwf7.8 billion), according to CMA.
The project funding, contained in a loan agreement between the government of Rwanda and African Development Fund which was signed on December 13, 2024, in Kigali, was approved by Parliament last week.
CMA indicated that the project’s main objective is to strengthen Rwanda’s capital market through infrastructure development, capacity building, and enhanced legal and regulatory frameworks to enhance access to financing from capital markets for the public and private sectors.
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Its creation is essential for developing a skilled labour force in Rwanda’s capital market and commodity exchange industries, presenting chances for professional advancement, and enhancing Rwanda's appeal as an investment destination, the official said.
Additionally, as indicated, the academy will encourage investor involvement and trust while assisting in lowering reliance on international experts.
It will also provide room for conducting research on relevant capital markets-related issues with the goal of producing insights that influence industry practices, legislative decisions, and investor behaviour.