Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Exploring Portfolio Investment Opportunities in the WAEMU Region
Programme
Investor Conference
Venue: London Stock Exchange, 10 Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7LS
08:00 - 09:00
Registration and Welcome Breakfast
- Guest registration and networking
- Light refreshments and coffee
09:00 - 09:40
Opening Ceremony
- 9:00 – 9:05: Opening Remarks: Abi Ajayi, Head Middle East & Africa, Primary Markets, London Stock Exchange Group
- 9:05 – 9:15: Welcome Address: Dr Edoh Kossi Amenounve, CEO, BRVM
- 9:15 – 9:25: Sassou Hunzunken, Director of Issuers – Representing Mr. Badanam Patoki, President, AMF-Umoa
- 9:25 – 9:40: Opening Keynote: H.E. Romuald Wadagni, Minister of State for Economy and Finance, in charge of cooperation, Benin
09:40 - 10:30
Panel Discussion: Africa and WAEMU Economic Outlook
What is the outlook for economic growth in the West Africa region and across the continent? How can countries invest to develop human capital, upgrade the performance of agriculture and industry, and position their economies for long-term growth? Speakers on this panel will discuss critical issues relevant to investors. The conversation will provide a framework and background for sessions throughout the day.
Moderator: Tedd George, Founder & Chief Narrative Officer, Kleos Advisory
Panelists:
Ngoran Justin Koffi, Managing Director, ARRE [Regulatory Authority of the Warehouse Receipt System, Côte d’Ivoire]
Khady Denise Ndiaye, Director Private Sector, WAEMU Commission
David Omojomolo, Africa economist, Capital Economics
Sharma Rambocus, Managing Director, Head of Global Markets, Africa, DMBL UK
Charles Robertson, Head Macro-strategy, FIM Partners
10:30 - 10:45
Networking Break
10:45 - 11:40
Panel Discussion: Spotlight On Benin: Strategic Investment Opportunities
Benin’s government has been enacting reforms and focusing resources on areas expected to underpin the country’s long-term growth. The IMF noted in a January 2025 report that “Innovation and a strong reform drive have strengthened Benin’s resilience to regional and global challenges and supported progress toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals”. The government is working to attract investment across several sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, agribusiness and other industries.
Presentation: Investment Opportunities in Benin with Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations – CDC Benin [Sovereign Wealth Fund Benin]
By: Arnaud Karl Adovelande, Coordinator of the Consignment, Deconsignment and Development Products Department, CDC Benin
Maryse Lokossou, Managing Director, CDC Benin – (Virtual intervention)
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Jérémie Bismuth, Counsel, Gide Loyrette Nouel
Panelists:
Arnaud Karl Adovelande, Coordinator of the Consignment, Deconsignment and Development Products Department, CDC Benin
Sani Bankoley, CEO & Founder, Ori Partners Steven Gray OBE, Regional Representative West Africa, UK Export Finance
Adidjatou HASSAN, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Senior Minister of Economy and Finance. President of Benin’s National Projects Carbon Registration Authority
Aum Thacker, Investment Professional, TLG Capital
11:40 - 11:50
Guest Speaker
Nicolas Pitiot, Investment Director, Infrastructure & Climate Project Finance, British International Investment
11:50 - 12:45
Panel Discussion: Market Perspectives, Investment Challenges, and Opportunities
This panel explores key trends in the BRVM and West African markets, focusing on investment opportunities, market liquidity, and investor confidence. Experts will discuss strategies to attract listings, deepen capital flows, and address challenges like regulatory transparency and market stability.
Introductory Presentation: Dr Edoh Kossi Amenounve, CEO, BRVM
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Franck Fodvo, Investment Officer, ALCB Fund
Panelists:
Zin Bekkali, CEO and Group CIO, Silk Invest
Arsène Mahougnon Dansou, Managing Director, Banque Internationale pour l’Industrie et le Commerce (BIIC) Bénin [Benin International Bank for Industry & Commerce]
Sassou Hunzunken, Director of Issuers, AMF-Umoa
Vivek Mittal, CEO, Africa Infrastructure Development Association (AfiDA)
Ayo Salami, Chief Investment Officer, Emerging Markets Investment Management Limited
12:45 - 13:45
Networking Lunch
13:45 - 14:00
Perspectives from an Active Investor: Key Insights on Markets & Investment Opportunities
By Guest Speakers Babacar Ka, Partner, Development Partners International & Franklin Olakunle Amoo, Managing Partner, Baylis Emerging Markets
14:00 - 15:00
Panel Discussion: Sovereign Debt in the WAEMU
Governments in the region have been active in international bond markets in recent years. Countries raise capital to invest in development priorities and to support ongoing budget requirements. Changing investor appetite for risk, rising interest rates and global economic shocks affect demand for sovereign debt issues. How are governments managing resources in this volatile environment?
Presentation by Doneci Kone, Deputy CEO, The Direction Générale des Financements de Côte d’Ivoire [Directorate General For Finance, Côte d’Ivoire]
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Guy Tossou, Senior Portfolio Manager, EM Fixed income, BNP Paribas
Panelists:
Hackim Abdul, Director Africa Sovereign Advisory and Financing, Citi
Jean-Philippe Aithnard, Deputy CEO, BOAD Titrisation
Sèjro Désiré Bossou, Head of Operations and Government Securities Promotion, UMOA-Titres
Kawtar Ed-Dahmani, MD Portfolio Manager, Global Sovereign Debt and Currencies, Barings
Edouard Bloch Escoffier, Executive Director, Sovereign Advisory, Lion’s Head Global Partners
15:00 - 15:05
Announcement: Voluntary Carbon Markets Initiative - Benin Partnership
15:05 - 15:15
Closing Remarks
Dr Parfait Kouassi, Chairman of the Board, BRVM