On October 26, 2026, Abdoulaye Bio Tchane, president of Benin's Conseil économique et social (CES), addressed the Capital Reach Forum in Cotonou, Benin. Organized by Africaine de Gestion et d'Intermédiation (AGI), the event gathered international participants to discuss capital market development. Bio Tchane emphasized the need for African countries to move beyond creating financial markets and instead utilize them fully to drive economic growth and development.
As a key figure in establishing the Bourse régionale des valeurs mobilières (BRVM) in 1998, Bio Tchane highlighted the progress made by the regional stock exchange in mobilizing savings and supporting economies within the Union. Between 2021 and 2025, the BRVM's capitalization saw significant growth. However, despite these advances, challenges persist, including the concentration of listed companies in a few sectors and limited access to capital for private enterprises.
To overcome these challenges, Bio Tchane proposed several strategies. He recommended facilitating access to capital markets for businesses, particularly through guarantee and risk-sharing mechanisms. Additionally, he advocated for increased mobilization of savings from institutional investors, diaspora, and individual investors, as well as enhanced transparency and investor confidence.
The president of CES stressed the importance of bridging the gap between companies seeking resources, investors with capital, and actors capable of structuring viable operations. This synergy is crucial for directing resources toward businesses, infrastructure, and growth-oriented projects. By doing so, Africa can harness the potential of its financial markets to drive productive investments, create jobs, and generate wealth for its populations.
Bio Tchane's address underscored a significant challenge for Africa's future: transforming financial markets into effective engines of economic transformation. He emphasized that the continent's goal is not only to establish capital markets but also to make them fully operational in support of businesses, growth, and improved living standards.
The Capital Reach Forum, which took place at the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hôtel, was officially opened by Benin's minister of economy and finance. The event provided a platform for discussions on capital market development and its role in driving African economies. Bio Tchane's presentation was part of a broader conversation on the future of finance in Africa.
The BRVM, established in 1998, has made notable progress in recent years. However, to achieve its full potential, the stock exchange must address existing challenges and adapt to the evolving needs of African economies. By doing so, it can play a more significant role in mobilizing savings, facilitating access to capital, and supporting economic growth and development across the region.
Key points
- Abdoulaye Bio Tchane calls for better utilization of capital markets to drive African economic growth.
- The BRVM has made significant progress in recent years but faces challenges, including concentration of listed companies and limited access to capital for private enterprises.
- Bio Tchane proposes strategies to enhance access to capital markets, including guarantee and risk-sharing mechanisms and increased mobilization of savings.
