About The Conference

Hosted by the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, this two-day event presents a unique opportunity to facilitate a think-tank gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East, as well as other regions, to deliberate on key topical and emerging issues influencing the evolution of Financial and Securities Markets in the region.

This conference places a special spotlight on the vital role African and Middle Eastern economies play in shaping the global financial landscape. These regions are emerging as key drivers of economic transformation, with rapidly evolving financial markets, innovative technological advancements, and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems. By leveraging their youthful populations and increasing global integration, Africa and the Middle East are fast becoming epicentres of growth, innovation, and resilience. Understanding and engaging with these economies is crucial to building financial systems that are truly inclusive and sustainable.

This is not just another conference; it is a dynamic platform to spark innovative ideas, share ground-breaking solutions, and forge impactful connections that shape the financial systems of tomorrow.

Join us as we chart a course toward a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous global economy. This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of change and make a lasting impact.

Stay tuned for exclusive updates, including the release of our stellar line-up of keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, and the full agenda.

AMEDA Nigeria 2025 Conference

Central Securities Clearing System Plc CEO Message

“ am honoured to welcome you all to the Africa and Middle East Depositories Association (AMEDA) 41st Annual Conference, where global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts convene under the theme: “Shaping the Future: Financial Markets & Infrastructures as Catalysts for Transforming Economies.”

In an era of rapid economic evolution, financial markets and infrastructures are more than just enablers of transactions—they are the backbone of sustainable economic growth, stability, and inclusive development. As Africa and the Middle East are emerging as key players in the global financial landscape, this conference serves as a vital platform to explore how financial markets and infrastructures can harness innovation, regulatory advancements, and cross-border partnerships to build resilient economies.

We look forward to engaging in insightful discussions, forging strategic collaborations, and pioneering innovative solutions that will shape the financial systems of tomorrow. It is a privilege to host you in Nigeria, and we are excited to be part of the journey toward a more resilient and inclusive financial future.

Welcome, and let’s shape the future together!”

Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri AMEDA Vice President

Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri
Managing Director & CEO Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) / Nigeria and AMEDA Vice President

AMEDA President's Message

Abdulla Jaffar Abdin, Chief Operating Officer, Bahrain Clear, AMEDA President, and WFC Vice-Chairman

On behalf of the Africa and Middle East Depositories Association (AMEDA), I am honored to express our sincere gratitude to our esteemed colleagues at the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc. For hosting this conference. This three-day event is set to be a milestone gathering, uniting visionary leaders, policymakers, and experts from Africa, the Middle East, and beyond to engage in insightful discussions on the transformation of financial and securities markets in our regions.

As Africa and the Middle East emerge as key players in the global financial landscape, it is essential that we leverage our collective strengths to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and expand financial inclusion. With rapidly evolving markets, cutting-edge technological advancements, and a spirit of entrepreneurship, our regions are shaping the future of global finance. This conference provides a vital platform to explore these changes, share knowledge, and collaborate on strategies that will define the next era of our industry.

AMEDA-Lagos 41st conference Launching In

2025/04/23 10:00:00

Agenda

Pre-conference day: Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025

 

  • 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Delegates Registration
  • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
AMEDA Annual General Meeting
  • 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Conference Closing Gong Ceremony (By Invitation)
  • 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
NGX & CSCS Tour (AMEDA Members)
  • 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Welcome Cocktail Reception
  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Registration & Coffee
  • 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Welcome Address
  • 9:15 AM – 9:35 AM
Welcome and Goodwill Address
  • 9:35 AM – 10:00 AM

Conference Keynote Address

  • 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Policymakers’ Roundtable: Shaping the Future: Innovation, Stability, and Inclusion in an Era of
  • 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Coffee Break
  • 11:15 AM – 11:35 AM

Presentation:

Transforming Economies through Financial Markets & Infrastructures

  • The pivotal role of financial markets in economic transformation.
  • Real-world examples of how FMIs drive growth in emerging and developed markets.
  • Vision for the next decade: How FMIs can address global challenges.
  • 11:35 AM – 12:30 PM
Panel Discussion
Capital Markets as Engines of Economic Transformation
  • The role of capital markets in transforming economies.
  • Expanding access to capital markets for SMEs and startups.
  • Innovations in Private Markets ecosystems.
  • Developing regional capital markets to drive local economic growth.
  • Innovations in green bonds, social bonds, and other sustainable instruments
    challenges.
  • 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM
Panel Discussion
Innovation in Financial Market Infrastructures: A Game-Changer for Growth
  • Blockchain and distributed ledger technology for clearing and settlement systems.
  • The rise of digital assets and tokenized securities.
  • Cloud computing and AI for operational efficiency
  • Private Markets on the Rise!
    Case Study: Real World Applications of new technologies in Financial Infrastructures
  • 12:50 PM – 1:00 PM
Keynote Address
  • 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Buffet Lunch
  • 2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Keynote
Africa & the Middle East: Repositioning in a Rapidly Evolving Global Economy
  • 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM

Panel Discussion
Africa & Middle East Vision 2030: Shaping Tomorrow’s Financial Markets for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth

  • The future of Africa-Middle East economic partnerships.
  • Aligning national visions like Saudi Vision 2030 and Agenda 2063.
  • Discussion on long-term strategies for innovation and resilience.
  • Inclusive growth strategies involving women, youth, and SMEs.
  • Role of private-public partnerships in market transformation.
  • Engaging stakeholders to build trust and transparency in financial systems.
  • Audience Q&A to gather diverse perspectives on the path forward.
  • 3:45 PM – 4:10 PM

Fireside Chat
Driving Financial Inclusion through Digital Transformation

  • Leveraging mobile money platforms to increase market participation.
  • Tokenization as a tool to democratize investments.
  • Closing the digital divide to include underserved regions in Africa & Middle East financial markets.
  • 4:10 PM – 4:20 PM

Keynote Address

  • 4:20 PM – 4:30 PM
Closing Remarks
  • 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
AMEDA Closed Session (members only)
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

DINNER

  • 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
Opening Address and Recap of Day One
  • 9:10 AM – 9:30 AM

Presentation:
Modernizing Financial Market Infrastructures

  • Benchmark diagnostic of the state of Financial Infrastructure in the Africa & Middle East region
  • Examine cutting-edge tools, such as AI, DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology), and cloud computing.
  • Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and blockchain in clearing and settlement systems.
  • Cloud computing for enhanced operational efficiency.
  • The role of AI and machine learning in risk management and fraud detection.
    Case Study: A recent FMI application of new technologies to improve transparency and reduce costs.
  • 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

Panel Discussion:
Resilience in Financial Markets: Preparing for Global Disruptions

  • How do we ensure stability in adopting innovative technologies?
  • What frameworks are necessary to assess systemic risks in digital FMIs?
  • How can public and private sectors collaborate to build resilient infrastructures?
  • Cybersecurity in FMIs: Trends, risks, and prevention
  • Building operational resilience to withstand systemic shocks.
  • Lessons learned from recent crises (e.g., pandemic, geopolitical instability)
  • 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM

Panel Discussion:
The Future of Decentralized Financial Market Infrastructures

  • Exploring the potential and challenges of decentralized finance (DeFi) in traditional markets.
  • Integrating DeFi principles into FMI operations.
  • 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Coffee Break
  • 11:30 AM – 11:40 AM
Keynote Address
  • 11:40 AM – 12:10 PM
Keynote Address by AMEDA
  • 12:10 PM – 12:40 PM
Fireside Chat:
Driving Financial Inclusion through Digital Transformation

  • Leveraging mobile money platforms to increase market participation.
  • Tokenization as a tool to democratize investments.
  • Closing the digital divide to include underserved regions in Africa & Middle East financial markets
  • 12:40 PM – 1:10 PM
Keynote Address by AMEDA 
  • 1:10 PM – 2:30 PM
Buffet Lunch
  • 2:30 PM – 2:40 PM
Keynote Address
  • 2:40 PM – 3:10 PM
Fireside Chat:
The Future of Cross-Border Payments and Settlements

  • Digital currencies (CBDCs and stablecoins) and their impact on cross-border transactions.
  • Harmonizing global payment standards for faster, cheaper, and more secure transactions.
  • 3:10 PM – 3:30 PM

Conference Closing Remarks

  • 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

GALA DINNER

 

Venue - Eko Hotel & Suites

Eko Hotel Suites, Lagos, Nigeria

Suggested Accommodation

Official Hotel

EKO Hotels & Suites
Eko Hotels & Suites is located in the heart of Victoria Island, offering a perfect blend of business & leisure amenities with dining and recreational options delicately infused in one amazing space.

Overlooking the new Eko Atlantic City and Atlantic Ocean, it is just a 10-minute drive to the City Centre and only 45minutes away from the Airport.

Optional Hotel

Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel sits on the banks of the upscale Victoria Island in beautiful Lagos Lagoon. From here, guests enjoy scenic views of the up-and-coming city.

Amenities include free high-speed wireless Internet and air conditioning. The airport is located 28km from the hotel. The taxi ride takes about an hour, depending on traffic

Optional Hotel

Maison Fahrenheit Hotel
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Victoria Island, Lagos, Maison Fahrenheit is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel where contemporary design meets unrivalled hospitality. Located just steps away from Lagos’ business and entertainment districts, this stylish hotel offers guests a truly unique urban escape.

For reservations, please visit the website or chat via WhatsApp