BRVM CEO Edoh Amenounve on regional investment opportunities

The CEO of the West African Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM), Edoh Amenounve, recently visited Johannesburg to promote regional investment opportunities. BRVM is a unique stock exchange serving eight francophone countries in West Africa that are members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union. These countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Amenounve discussed the investment prospects in the region, highlighting the upcoming launch of a commodity exchange in Cote d'Ivoire and the growth potential of the stock market. The key theme of Amenounve's interview was the regional investment opportunities in West Africa, particularly in the areas of agriculture, oil, gas, and mining. The CEO emphasized the strong economic growth in the region, dispelling concerns about political turbulence impacting investment. He also underscored the collaboration and integration efforts among African stock exchanges to enhance market liquidity and performance. Three key points emerged from the interview: 1. Investment in Agriculture: Cote d'Ivoire is set to launch a commodity exchange to trade agricultural products, signaling a strategic shift towards agricultural development. Amenounve highlighted the importance of this reform in leveraging agriculture for economic growth. 2. Stock Market Performance: BRVM, with 25 years of operation, ranked as the fifth-largest stock exchange on the continent in 2020. Amenounve attributed this success to the region's sound economic fundamentals and growth prospects, with GDP expanding at an average of 6% in the region. 3. Collaboration and Integration: BRVM is focusing on cooperation rather than competition with other stock exchanges in Africa. Amenounve advocated for collaboration to attract international investors and enhance market connectivity. He highlighted the significance of payment systems like the PAPS in facilitating cross-border transactions and settlement. In response to questions about competition and market dynamics, Amenounve emphasized the need for collaboration among African stock exchanges to attract international investors and improve market efficiency. He shared insights on the ELP project for integrating African stock exchanges to boost market performance and liquidity. Amenounve's interview shed light on the growth potential and investment opportunities in West Africa, reassuring investors about the region's economic stability and growth prospects. The CEO's vision for collaboration and integration underscores the importance of regional cooperation in advancing the continent's capital markets. As BRVM continues its outreach to investors in global financial centers like Johannesburg, the spotlight on West Africa's investment landscape is set to grow, offering new opportunities for international investors seeking to tap into the region's burgeoning markets.