The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has forecast that digital asset opportunities across Africa and the Middle East could reach $10 trillion by 2030, citing the region’s youthful demographics and appetite for innovation.
SEC director-general Dr. Emomotimi Agama, made the projection while accepting his election as vice chairman of the Africa/Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). The appointment also secures him a seat on IOSCO’s board until 2026.
“With 70 per cent of Africa’s population under 30, we must empower youth through retail investor programmes to democratise market participation, fintech sandboxes to nurture youth-led innovation, and listings of high-growth startups to create wealth and jobs,” Agama said.
He outlined a strategic agenda that includes harmonising listing standards across African exchanges, lowering costs, and establishing cross-border linkages with the African Financial Markets Initiative. Plans also include a regional market-making scheme and pension fund reforms to channel domestic savings into productive investments.
IOSCO, which represents over 100 jurisdictions and regulates more than 95 per cent of the world’s securities markets, plays a central role in setting global standards. Agama urged members to maintain “the mutual support and cooperation of past years for the benefit of investors, markets, and indeed the world economy.”
