FOCUS ON THE REGIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE OF THE WEST AFRICAN ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION (WAEMU)

Dubai, UAE, May 2, 2016:  The Fourth Edition of « BRVM INVESTMENT DAYS » took place on April 18thin Dubai at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

This event, under the patronage of His Excellency, Mr Daniel Kablan DUNCAN, Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy, Finance and Budget of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire represented by Mr Paul Koffi KOFFI, Minister of Technical and Vocational education is the first event of its kind that the WAEMU’s financial institution has organized in the Middle East. 

Following the welcome and opening addresses by Mr Pierre Atépa GOUDIABY, Chairman of BRVM Board of Directors and Paul Koffi KOFFI, the Conference started with two keynote speeches by the Islamic Bank of Development Representative, Mr Zakiyoulahi SOW and Ms Laurence Do REGO, representing ETI Group. Then, three round tables took place revolving respectively around (i) the macro-economic perspectives and opportunities for the Foreign Direct Investment as well as the portfolio investments in the WAEMU, (ii) the attractiveness BRVM to international investors and (iii) the improvement of relations with investors. 

More than 100 participants – Investment Funds, Investment Banks, International Brokers, and Private Equity Funds, based in the Middle East as well as several players from the West African Regional Stock Exchange (SGI, SGO, listed companies, etc.) ― participated in the work of the day. 

After the thorough assessment of the recent evolution of BRVM, some areas of solutions have been identified in order to enhance the attractiveness of BRVM and its contribution in the funding of the Union’s economies. 

The findings of the sessions have underlined that to attract international investors sustainably, our union has to consolidate its stability and macro-economic performances, increase the flexibility in portfolio investment change regulations and encourage the long-term fund raising for the market. 

Finally, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) should push for inclusive growth by focusing on the development of human capacities. 
The BRVM will have to welcome new companies in the list (Large companies, SME, SMI), encourage the listed companies to disseminate more equity in the public sector and to provide information to investors more regularly. 

At the day’s closing, the BRVM Managing Director, Mr Edoh Kossi AMENOUNVE expressed his gratitude to WAEMU authorities for their sustainable support to the central structures of the Regional Stock Exchange and thanked all the partners who contributed to this edition’s success.
All eyes are now turned to Asia 2018 (Hong Kong and Singapore) for the 5th edition.