Capital Market Youth Forum 2025 to empower next generation of investors

The Capital Market Authority of Rwanda (CMA), in collaboration with the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) and the Rwanda National Students Association (RNSA), have organised the Capital Market Youth Forum 2025. This forum aims to engage, educate and empower young people with practical knowledge on the importance of saving and investing through Rwanda's capital market, and promotion of a culture of financial literacy and economic empowerment Slated to conclude with a high-level event on Friday, June 20, 2025 at the Kigali Convention Centre, the forum targets university students and young people from all walks of life. The event will serve as a platform to raise awareness, equip students and young professionals with knowledge of investment opportunities, and provide a roadmap for active participation in the capital market. By targeting university students, secondary school students, and young professionals, the forum seeks to bridge the knowledge gap on financial independence and wealth creation through strategic investment. The forum will educate participants on various investment instruments such as stocks, bonds, and Collective Investment Schemes. Thapelo Tsheole, Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority, underlined the strategic significance of the forum. “This forum reflects our deep commitment to nurturing a generation of financially savvy and economically empowered young Rwandans. By demystifying investment and providing practical tools and access to market opportunities, we aim to bridge the knowledge gap and position the capital market as a viable path for long-term financial growth and entrepreneurial success,” he said. It will create a dynamic networking environment where young people can interact with financial experts, policymakers, and successful investors who will share insights and experiences. The event will also aim to encourage entrepreneurship by highlighting how capital markets can serve as a source of financing for innovative business ideas. Young entrepreneurs will learn about listing opportunities, venture capital, and other funding mechanisms that the capital market provides to support business growth and sustainability. It will also equip participants with digital investment tools and resources, demonstrating how technology is reshaping capital markets and making investment opportunities more accessible to the youth. Eeducational outreach programme in universities The forum is built on three strategic pillars. The first is a nationwide educational outreach programme that, from May 9 to 23, will be delivered in universities across Rwanda’s provinces, equipping students with the foundational tools to make informed financial decisions. The universities include University of Rwanda Huye campus in Southern Province, East African University Rwanda in Eastern Province, ULK Gisenyi in Western Province, and Rwanda Polytechnic-Musanze College in Northern Province. Nationwide educational campaigns are conducted to raise awareness among young people about the opportunities and long-term benefits of participating in the capital market. These outreach programmes are tailored to enhance financial literacy and to equip youth with the knowledge necessary to make informed investment decisions. Capital Market University Challenge The second pillar of the forum is Capital Market University Challenge which will offer a digital quiz competition platform where students test their investment knowledge, with top performers rewarded with shares and bonds listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange. Students interested in participating in the Capital Market University Challenge 2025 should currently register at https://investor.cma.rw. Previous winners are not allowed to participate in the current edition. Three rounds for the competition for the quiz category are planned between May 8 and 22. The competition framework will involve a set of quizzes aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge among students about the capital market industry and its importance for Rwanda’s socio-economic development. Awards will be given to the winners of the quiz category in the form of securities i.e shares and bonds listed at the Rwanda Stock Exchange as a way to initiate students on the culture of saving and investing through the capital market. The top five winners at the provincial level, as well as the top five winners at the national, shall be awarded on May 29. These prizes serve as a practical starting point for their investment journeys, thereby promoting early participation and confidence in the market. Practical internship programme The 3rd pillar of the forum is a practical internship programme at the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) which will provide selected students with first-hand exposure to capital market operations, positioning them for future careers in the financial sector. This practical experience equips them with critical skills and insights, positioning them for potential careers in the capital market and related financial sectors. Preparatory activities began in March, focusing on stakeholder engagement and awareness campaigns. The main forum event in June will convene students, policymakers, financial experts, and institutional partners for a day of dialogue and learning. The agenda includes panel discussions, mentorship sessions, expert insights, and testimonials from young investors who have successfully navigated Rwanda’s capital market.

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Capital Market Youth Forum 2025 to empower next generation of investors