International Investor Week, organised by COSUMAF, ended on Tuesday. Over two days, stock-market and finance experts from Central Africa shared their visions and enthusiasm.
Under the benevolent attention of Ambassador and former COSUMAF president His Excellency NAGOUM YAMASSOUM, the sessions were rich in both substance and presentation. Panellists and moderators sought to be as convincing as they were convinced of the knowledge they shared.
We discussed financial-market participants: brokerage firms such as CBT Bourse, investors like you and me, listed companies or issuers, financial advisers such as Guess Consulting & Investment Capital, regulators such as COSUMAF, exchanges such as BVMAC and collective investment schemes.
Technology is essential to this market. In the age of AI, it was important to recall safeguards for users' data and fraud prevention. When hackers cannot defeat a robust, secure system, they explore human psychology.
Growing partnerships between financial participants and the central bank are also expected to improve inclusion. West Africa's model could inspire us.
Two ideas raised by colleagues stayed with me: APE and financial education. Until now, I knew APE only as the Parents' Association. Now I also know Appel Public à l'Épargne, a public offering or appeal for public savings.
Should we speak of financial education or education in finance? Does my elder Nanadoum's cousin, who buys and stores sacks of maize to sell later at higher prices, not demonstrate financial knowledge? I welcome your views.
I had the honour of joining a panel with these distinguished women and men. It was a wonderful experience, despite any shortcomings you may have noticed—mea culpa. Thank you to everyone who gave me this opportunity. Beyond meeting people, I learned a great deal. Thank you sincerely.
Ingrid Obouh-Fegue, Alfred Moyangar, Aimé GUESSIMBAYE DJIKOLOUM, Masbaye NOUBADOUM, Karim NANADOUM, Allafouza Hassan