The 41st edition of the Africa and Middle East Depository and Central Clearing Houses (AMEDA) annual Forum is taking place in Lagos, Nigeria, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Hosted by the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, the three-day event, running through April 25, aims to drive innovation and discussions around the future of financial infrastructure in the region. Under the theme Shaping the Future: Financial Markets & Infrastructures as Catalysts for Transforming Economies, the Forum will explore how financial infrastructures can stimulate economic growth and foster sustainable development across Africa and the Middle East. The AMEDA 2025 Conference comes at a critical time for Nigeria, which stands as one of the top three economies in Africa. The conference will focus on fostering dialogue on financial markets' role in economic advancement, with a special emphasis on building resilient, inclusive, and modern financial systems that can support economic transformation. A key objective of the Forum is to encourage exchanges between regional and international stakeholders regarding the development of financial frameworks that promote economic integration, digital transformation, and global connectivity. Discussions will cover a range of topics, including the current state of financial markets, industry innovations, and the challenges facing the sector as it strives to drive economic change. The Forum will also feature a host of prominent attendees, including Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, executive governor of Lagos State. These leaders, along with other high-ranking officials and key decision-makers from central banks, stock exchanges, and financial institutions, will engage in dialogues aimed at shaping the future of financial markets in Africa and the Middle East. The event's discussions will be centered around the use of contemporary technologies within financial market infrastructures, as well as strategies for capital markets to play a transformative role in regional economic development. Participants will examine the resilience of financial markets and how they can better navigate global uncertainties while maintaining stability and fostering innovation. The Forum will also mark the unveiling of the 2030 Vision for Africa and the Middle East, which aims to establish resilient and sustainable financial markets that can support long-term growth. Key global financial institutions, development banks, and policymakers will be in attendance to discuss cutting-edge solutions, including advancements in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. In addition to the technical discussions, the Forum will also focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments, particularly in the context of microfinance institutions, and explore ways to address the regulatory complexities of cross-border financial infrastructure. AMEDA, a non-profit organisation founded in 2005, has grown into a crucial regional body for central securities depositories and clearing houses across Africa and the Middle East. With 44 members from over 30 countries, AMEDA continues to serve as a platform for fostering cooperation and advancing the region's financial infrastructure. The Forum promises to be a vital event for leaders in finance, technology, and policy, as they come together to shape the future of financial markets and infrastructure in one of the world's most dynamic regions. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
