A memorandum of understanding was signed last Monday between the African Securities Exchange Association (Asea) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The aim is to strengthen collaboration and stimulate the development and integration of the continent's financial markets for sustainable growth.

The press release issued after the signing ceremony indicates that the MoU represents an important step in efforts to develop African capital markets, strengthen market capacity, strengthen investor confidence, facilitate peer learning and to promote regional integration. The partnership will focus on key areas of cooperation, including conducting studies and research on the development and integration of financial markets, training and capacity building at the national, sub-regional, and continental levels, and participation in policy dialogues and advocacy for African countries, as well as policy dialogues and advocacy for African countries

Thapelo Tsheole, President of ASEA and CEO of the Botswana Stock Exchange, emphasized the importance of the partnership in creating a business-friendly environment, promoting investor confidence, and contributing to overall economic growth and prosperity on the continent.