The 1st International Academic Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers was successfully held from 20th to 22nd May, 2026, in collaboration with Afe Babalola University. The conference brought together academics, policymakers, regulators, capital market operators, industry practitioners, researchers, postgraduate students, and other stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria to deliberate on contemporary issues affecting capital markets, sustainable finance, and economic transformation in Africa.
The conference was designed to provide a platform for intellectual engagement, policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, and networking among stakeholders in the financial and academic communities. The hybrid conference featured a pre-conference workshop, keynote presentations, lead papers, panel discussions, academic paper presentations, and a PhD colloquium.
The conference theme, âCapital Markets, Sustainable Finance and Economic Transformation in Africa,â reflected the growing importance of capital markets in promoting sustainable economic growth, financial inclusion, innovation, and developmental financing across the African continent.
The objectives of the conference included:
- To examine the role of capital markets in promoting sustainable economic transformation in Africa.
- To explore emerging trends in digital finance, fintech, artificial intelligence, and market innovation.
- To discuss sustainable and green finance frameworks within emerging economies.
- To encourage collaboration between academia and industry practitioners.
- To promote research and policy discussions on financial inclusion and market deepening.
- To provide postgraduate students with opportunities to present and discuss their research works.
- To expose youths and emerging professionals to opportunities within the Nigerian capital market.
The conference commenced with a virtual pre-conference workshop held on 20th May, 2026 via Zoom. The workshop was themed: âOpportunities in the Nigerian Capital Marketâ
DAY ONE â 2OTH MAY, 2026
The workshop was specifically designed to expose youths, students, emerging professionals, and prospective investors to opportunities within the Nigerian capital market ecosystem.
The following presentations were delivered:
- âEmpowering African Youths Through Equities and ETFsâ Presented by the representative of NGX Group
- âBuilding Sustainable Wealth for African Youth Through Fixed Income and Other Capital Market Productsâ Presented by the representative of FMDQ Group
- âExploring Futures and Commodities Markets for African Youthsâ Presented by the representative of Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange
- âThe Future of Finance: Digital Assets and Financial Innovationâ Presented by the representative of Bamboo
- âBuilding a Career in Securities and Investmentâ Presented by the Registrar/CEO of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers
The workshop recorded a total of 204 virtual participants.
DAY TWO â 21ST MAY, 2026
Activities on the first day of the conference commenced with a courtesy visit by the CIS delegation, led by the 14th President/Chairman of Council, Dr Fiona Ahimie, to the Principal Officers of Afe Babalola University and the Founder of the University, Aare Afe Babalola.
Following the courtesy call, the conference proceedings commenced formally at the Bimbo Owolabi Hall, ABUAD.
The Nigerian National Anthem and the ABUAD Anthem were rendered, after which the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, delivered the welcome address. She welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in driving innovation and sustainable development.
The opening remark was delivered by the 14th President/Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Dr Fiona Ahimie, who highlighted the strategic importance of the conference in advancing research, policy formulation, and professional practice within the African capital market ecosystem..
The Governor of Ekiti State, represented by Mrs Tayo Adeola, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the state government and reaffirmed the governmentâs commitment to investment promotion and economic development, as well as educational advancement.
Thereafter, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Emomotimi Agama, delivered the keynote address titled: âCapital Markets, Sustainable Finance, and Economic Transformation in Africaâ
The keynote address examined the strategic role of African capital markets in mobilizing long-term funds for infrastructure development, industrialization, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
A second keynote address titled: âCapital Markets, Sustainable Finance and Economic Transformation in Africa: The Roles of Key Stakeholdersâ was delivered by Professor Micheal Ojo Oke.
Following the keynote presentations, academic paper presentation sessions commenced, during which 31 research papers were presented by academics and industry practitioners in four parallel sessions.
DAY THREE â 22ND MAY, 2026
The second day of the conference commenced with the presentation of three lead papers by distinguished scholars and practitioners.
Lead Papers Presented
- âCapital Markets, Sustainable Finance and Economic Transformation in Africa: Investment Instrumentsâ
Presented by Temitope Adeosun, FCS - âRole of African Capital Markets in Development Financingâ
Presented by Professor Uche Uwaleke, FCS - âRole of Capital Markets in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goalsâ
Presented by Professor Maryam Abdu, ACS
Following the lead paper presentations, additional parallel sessions were held during which 21 research papers were presented by academics and industry practitioners.
A PhD Colloquium was also organised as part of the conference activities. During the colloquium, four doctoral students presented their research works and received valuable feedback from senior academics and professionals.
In addition, a panel session on Non-Interest Assets was held, where panellists discussed opportunities, challenges, regulatory considerations, and the prospects of non-interest investment products within African capital markets.
PARTICIPATION STATISTICS
The conference recorded impressive participation from stakeholders across academia, industry, and the investment community.
Participation Summary
| DAY | Category | Number of Participants |
| Day1 | Pre-Conference Workshop (Virtual) | 204 |
| Day 2 (Physical) | Physical Conference Participants | 413 |
| Day 2 (Online) | Virtual Conference Participants | 37 |
| Day3 (Physical) | Physical Conference Participants | 56 |
| Day 2 (Online) | Virtual Conference Participants | 11 |
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
The conference successfully achieved its objectives through:
- Presentation of 52 research papers
- Delivery of 2 keynote addresses
- Presentation of 3 lead papers
- Organisation of a PhD Colloquium
- Panel discussion on Non-Interest Assets
- Robust engagement between academia and industry practitioners
- Exposure of participants to emerging developments in sustainable finance and capital market innovation
- Promotion of networking and collaboration opportunities among stakeholders
Kindly download the lead papers presented at the conference, keynotes, communiqué and the book of abstracts below