The Director-General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has projected a $10 trillion opportunity from digital assets across Africa and the Middle East by the year 2030.
Agama shared this optimistic outlook during his acceptance speech after being elected Vice Chairman of the Africa/Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). His new role also grants him a place on IOSCO’s global Board until 2026.
Giving the youthful and tech-savvy population of the region, Agama noted that 70% of Africa’s population is under 30 years old. He urged for programs that empower young people, such as retail investor education, fintech innovation hubs, and support for high-growth startups to create wealth and job opportunities.
He stressed the region has a chance to lead the digital asset revolution rather than follow, using innovative technologies to make capital markets inclusive and drivers of growth.
Agama outlined his plans to strengthen regional capital markets by working closely with the African Financial Markets Initiative and regional exchanges. Key goals include lowering listing costs, harmonizing market rules, and encouraging pension reforms that redirect savings into productive investments.
He also mentioned launching an initiative focused on helping small and medium enterprises get onto stock markets, opening up more opportunities for business expansion.
Founded in 1983, IOSCO is the global standard-setter for securities regulation, with members covering over 95% of worldwide markets. Agama called for continued collaboration among member nations to protect investors and promote market stability.
This leadership change sets the stage for Nigeria and its neighbors to shape the future of digital assets and capital markets in an increasingly tech-driven world.
