"The expansion of African capital markets to attract investors is a necessity," emphasized Mohamed El Kettani, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Attijariwafa Bank, on Friday, November 10, in Marrakech.
Speaking on a panel during the 2023 edition of the Africa Investment Forum (AIF), Mohamed El Kettani highlighted the need to "deepen and expand African capital markets to reach a sufficient size that attracts investors, by working on two vectors, namely trust linked to the credibility of countries and the promotion of integration."
In this context, he explained that market risks must be manageable for investors, and it is essential to ensure the stability of African countries, swiftly implement macroeconomic reforms, and establish governance that adheres to international requirements.
Furthermore, panel participants emphasized the crucial role of capital markets in mobilizing investments in Africa for transformative growth. While African capital markets face numerous challenges, several investment opportunities are emerging, including the development of local capital markets, the promotion of responsible investment, and the creation of innovative financial instruments.
The panelists also noted that integration should stem from political will and reflect harmonization of regulations to create a market considered secure by local and institutional investors while attracting foreign currency investments.
This panel also provided an opportunity to discuss innovative ways to mitigate risks and promote sustainable investment in capital markets. The AIF serves as a multi-stakeholder platform focused on reaching agreements across the continent through an innovative format that combines project presentations in dedicated boardrooms and high-level sectoral debates. Nearly 600 high-level participants are taking part in this edition.
