The Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) plans to introduce the Green Exchange Window (GEW), a specialised platform designed to facilitate the trading of green, social, and sustainability-linked financial products. The launch will take place later this month during the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) annual conference, which will be held in Kigali from November 26 to 28. ALSO READ: How could Rwanda unlock more green financing? According to RSE, the window aims to attract investment in climate-resilient and environmentally friendly projects while ensuring transparency and compliance with international standards. Celestin Rwabukumba, the Chief Executive Officer of RSE and President of ASEA, said the initiative positions Rwanda at the centre of Africa’s sustainable finance drive. “We have seen strong investor appetite in sustainability-linked bonds, with over Rwf70 billion already raised through instrumentz like BRD [Development Bank of Rwanda]’s green bond,” he said. ALSO READ: Fueling green financing in Africa: Innovations from Rwanda “Our collaboration with the Luxembourg Stock Exchange has helped us develop a platform that meets global standards while reflecting Africa’s priorities,” he added. Rwabukumba highlighted that RSE’s efforts to diversify its products, including small and medium enterprise listings, real estate investment trusts, and exchange-traded funds, have laid the foundation for the new market segment. Thapelo Tsheole, the Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority, said the timing aligns with Rwanda’s broader green finance agenda. ALSO READ: Rwanda Stock Exchange rallies for inclusivity in financial blocks “The country’s vision for a green economy is very clear, and RSE is right at the centre of that effort,” he said. Regional market players have also welcomed the move. Bob Karina, Chairman of Faida Investment Bank, said the platform marks a significant step for East African capital markets. “The Green Exchange Window is not just a Rwandan milestone, it’s a regional one,” he said. “It gives investors access to credible green products and encourages issuers to align with ESG standards.” The window is part of Rwanda’s Sustainable Finance Roadmap launched under Kigali International Financial Centre during COP28, which aims to make Rwanda a hub for sustainable investment across the continent. The ASEA 2025 Conference, themed “Integration, Innovation, and Impact: Mobilizing Capital for Africa’s Sustainable Future,” will bring together over 30 stock exchanges, regulators, and institutional investors to deliberate on how Africa’s capital markets can accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
