Omorogbe: Focus in on driving investors’ interest in asset classes

Bamboo's Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Yanmo Omorogbe, emphasized the importance of driving investors' interests in asset classes in Africa during an interview with CNBC Africa at the Africa and Middle East Depositories Association Annual Conference in Lagos. Omorogbe highlighted the role of financial literacy in bridging knowledge gaps and enabling individuals to invest safely and securely while growing their returns. Omorogbe expressed Bamboo's vision to help Africans worldwide in investing and emphasized the significance of initiatives that bridge the gap between Africans and international investment opportunities. She noted the evolving landscape of markets and how platforms like Bamboo are driving market penetration, particularly among young investors. With more than 50% of Bamboo's investors being first-timers and over 80% under 40 years old, the platform has successfully attracted a new wave of participants by offering a user-friendly experience that eliminates previous investment barriers. One significant development highlighted by Omorogbe is Bamboo's collaboration with the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) to establish APIs and enable T plus zero settlements for users. Such advancements in market infrastructure, in conjunction with technology adoption and regulatory partnerships, have contributed to reducing frictions and enhancing accessibility for retail investors. Furthermore, Bamboo's focus on education plays a pivotal role in empowering investors with financial literacy and confidence. By offering fractional investing options and promoting a secure user experience, the platform aims to cultivate enlightened investors who make informed investment decisions rather than mere speculation. Looking ahead, Omorogbe outlined Bamboo's expansion plans across emerging markets, with existing presence in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and recently acquired license in Kenya. The platform intends to introduce new asset classes and facilitate cross-border investments within Africa to enable investors from different countries to access diverse opportunities. Omorogbe underscored the importance of nurturing local investments within Africa, envisioning a future where individuals across the continent engage in intra-African investment activities. In the coming years, Bamboo aims to enhance its portfolio offerings, expand into new markets, and promote financial inclusivity by empowering individuals to make informed investment decisions. By championing financial literacy and leveraging technology to democratize investing, Bamboo seeks to drive investor interest and foster a culture of sustainable wealth creation in Africa.