Tanzania is set to host the 13th Building African Financial Markets (BAFM) Forum from 1–3 July 2026 in Dar es Salaam, bringing together financial leaders, policymakers, investors and capital market experts from across Africa. Jointly organized by the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) and the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA), the forum is expected to provide a strategic platform for discussing the future of Africa's financial markets and promoting stronger regional cooperation.
The three-day forum will be held under the theme "Driving Capital Market Growth in Africa through Innovation, Integration and Inclusive Participation." The event reflects Tanzania's growing role as a regional financial hub and demonstrates the country's commitment to strengthening capital markets that can support sustainable economic development across the continent.
According to the organizers, the forum will attract chief executive officers of African stock exchanges, capital market regulators, central bank representatives, ministries of finance, pension funds, insurance companies, commercial banks, investment firms, stockbrokers, legal experts and technology providers. Development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank and several United Nations agencies, are also expected to participate.
The conference will focus on four major pillars that are shaping the future of African financial markets. These include innovation through digital technologies and financial technology solutions, integration of African capital markets to facilitate cross-border investments, inclusive participation by expanding opportunities for women, youth and small businesses, and sustainable growth through environmental, social and governance (ESG) financing initiatives.
One of the major topics expected to dominate discussions is improving liquidity across African stock exchanges. Many African capital markets continue to experience relatively low trading volumes, limiting their ability to finance businesses and infrastructure projects. Delegates will therefore explore strategies for increasing investor participation, improving market efficiency and encouraging both domestic and international investment.
Digital transformation will also receive significant attention during the forum. Advances in fintech, electronic trading platforms, digital assets and modern market infrastructure are transforming financial systems worldwide. African exchanges are increasingly adopting these technologies to improve accessibility, transparency and operational efficiency. Participants will exchange experiences on how innovation can make capital markets more competitive while reducing barriers to investment.
Regional integration remains another key priority. With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), financial experts believe stronger cooperation among African stock exchanges will encourage cross-border listings, improve capital mobility and create larger pools of investment opportunities. The forum will also examine the progress of the African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP), an initiative designed to connect participating stock exchanges and simplify cross-border securities trading.
The conference will further explore sustainable finance, including green bonds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and financing mechanisms that support climate resilience and long-term economic growth. Experts argue that developing innovative financial instruments will be essential for mobilizing private capital to address Africa's infrastructure and development financing needs.
Hosting the forum provides Tanzania with an opportunity to showcase the progress made by the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange and the country's broader financial sector reforms. Over recent years, Tanzania has strengthened its investment environment through regulatory improvements, digital financial services and initiatives aimed at increasing participation in capital markets. Organizers believe the event will further position the country as an attractive destination for regional and international investment.
In announcing the event, the organizers stated that the forum seeks to "drive capital market growth in Africa through innovation, integration and inclusive participation." They added that the gathering is designed to encourage knowledge sharing, policy dialogue and stronger partnerships among financial institutions across the continent.
The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange also emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that the event will bring together "regulators, policymakers, investors, exchange leaders and market professionals to shape the future of African capital markets." This reflects the organizers' belief that sustainable financial market development requires cooperation between both public and private sector stakeholders.
According to the African Securities Exchanges Association, the Building African Financial Markets Forum serves as a platform for promoting growth, resilience, efficiency and inclusivity within Africa's financial markets while enhancing the global competitiveness of African stock exchanges. Through continuous dialogue and knowledge exchange, the association aims to strengthen investment ecosystems that support economic transformation across member countries.
As Africa continues pursuing deeper economic integration and sustainable development, the 13th Building African Financial Markets Forum comes at a critical time. The conference is expected to generate valuable discussions on financing economic growth, embracing technological innovation and strengthening investor confidence across African markets. For Tanzania, hosting the continental event reinforces its position as an emerging financial center while creating opportunities to attract investment, strengthen regional partnerships and contribute to building a more integrated and resilient African financial system.