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NGX CEO Jude Chiemeka has assumed the presidency of the African Securities Exchanges Association, effective September 30, 2026.
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He succeeds Rwanda Stock Exchange CEO Pierre Célestin Rwabukumba.
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His tenure will focus on deeper cross-border market integration, technology adoption, capital mobility and sustainable finance.
October 8, (THEWILL) – The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, has been elected President of the African Securities Exchanges Association, effective September 30, 2026.
Chiemeka succeeds Pierre Célestin Rwabukumba, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Stock Exchange, who previously led the association.
His appointment places a Nigerian capital-market executive at the helm of an organisation seeking to strengthen cooperation and integration among securities exchanges across the continent.
Chiemeka also chairs the West African Capital Markets Integration Council, giving him a regional role in efforts to improve connectivity among West African capital markets.
Focus On Deeper Market Integration
According to the association, Chiemeka’s presidency comes at a time when African capital markets are seeking to address challenges around liquidity, cross-border investment and market connectivity.
The association said its priorities include improving market liquidity, strengthening regional links, accelerating technology adoption and facilitating greater cross-border capital flows.
Under the new presidency, ASEA plans to deepen integration by facilitating inter-exchange trading and cross-listing among African jurisdictions.
The objective is to make it easier for investors and issuers to participate across different African markets while strengthening the links between individual exchanges.
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Chiemeka said his priority would be to build on the foundation established by his predecessor and advance initiatives to make African capital markets more connected.
“It is a privilege to lead the African Securities Exchanges Association at a time when capital market integration and technology-driven innovation are paramount to unlocking Africa’s economic potential”, he said.
“Building on the solid foundation laid by my predecessor, Mr Pierre Célestin Rwabukumba, ASEA will continue to advocate for stronger cross-border investment frameworks, deeper liquidity pools, and sustainable finance initiatives across our member exchanges.”
Technology, Capital Flows And Sustainable Finance
ASEA will also place greater emphasis on digital innovation during Chiemeka’s tenure, with financial technology and modern market infrastructure expected to feature prominently in efforts to improve market efficiency and widen access to capital markets.
The association said technology adoption could help improve operational efficiency while expanding participation by retail investors.
Another priority will be increasing capital mobility by strengthening connections between African markets and global institutional investors, while also encouraging greater participation by domestic investors.
ASEA also plans to promote sustainable finance by supporting efforts to harmonise environmental, social and governance frameworks and encourage green bond listings across member exchanges.
The initiatives reflect broader efforts to make African capital markets more attractive to both domestic and international investors while improving the ability of businesses to raise long-term capital within the continent.
Chiemeka Brings Three Decades Of Market Experience
Chiemeka has more than 30 years of experience in the capital markets, covering securities trading, asset management and investment banking.
His career has included involvement in regional market initiatives and major capital-market transactions.
Outgoing ASEA President Rwabukumba congratulated Chiemeka, describing his experience across the Nigerian market and WACMIC as relevant to the association’s next phase.
“Leading ASEA has been an honour, and I am proud of the progress we have made in bringing African exchanges closer together,” Rwabukumba said.
He expressed confidence in Chiemeka’s ability to guide the association as it pursues its next phase of development.
Chiemeka’s election is expected to give Nigeria a stronger voice in continental discussions around capital-market integration, particularly as African exchanges seek to reduce market fragmentation and create more efficient channels for cross-border investment.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
