Ethiopias Capital Market Sets Sights on Talent Strategy


Ethiopias Capital Market Sets Sights on Talent Strategy

A new strategy to strengthen the human capital foundation of Ethiopia’s emerging capital market is taking shape. Led by FSD Ethiopia in partnership with iCapital Africa Institute and the Nairobi Securities Exchange, the initiative is focused on building the skills, expertise, and institutional capacity needed to support the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA). The second round of consultations took place on April 23 at Best Western Hotel, drawing key stakeholders including ECMA Director General Hana Tehelku and FSD Ethiopia CEO Hikmet Abdella, as well as representatives from government, academia, the private sector, and development agencies. Established in 2021 under the Capital Market Proclamation, ECMA has made progress in laying a regulatory foundation for securities trading. However, a critical shortage of qualified professionals threatens to stall implementation. The country currently has only a few hundred individuals trained in securities law, governance, or market operations. The Human Capital Development Strategy (HCDS) 2025–2030 aims to close this gap. It rests on three pillars: developing skilled professionals, building strong institutions, and enabling a wider ecosystem. Plans include establishing a Capital Markets Training Institute (CMTI), accrediting training providers, and embedding capital markets education into 100 TVETs and 30 universities. The goal is to certify over 5,000 professionals and reach five million people through investor literacy programmes. “We are not built by compliance alone. We’re built by people, and sustained by skilled, visionary communities,” said Hana Tehelku. She noted ECMA’s progress training over 700 professionals and its focus on areas like digital finance and blockchain. ECMA’s work complements broader reforms under Ethiopia’s Home-Grown Economic Reform agenda, including the upcoming launch of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange. A regulatory sandbox introduced in 2024 also encourages fintech innovation, helping to lay the groundwork for a dynamic, inclusive market.

[ssba-buttons]

Radar

Construction Sector Faces 'Serious Trouble,' Minister Warns

The construction industry in Ethiopia is in "serious trouble," said Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban & Infrastructure Development, citing major challenges with finance, competitiveness and material costs. Speaking at the opening of the BIG 5 Construct Ethiopia expo and the inaugural East African Infrastructure & Water Expo at Millennium Hall last week, Chaltu stressed the need for concerted efforts from government, private sector, and international partners to support the 67 billion dol...


Radar

Wegagen Bank, Gift Real Estate Partner to Promote Diaspora Homeownership

Wegagen Bank S.C. and Gift Real Estate Plc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 23, to offer housing loans for homebuyers, with a special focus on the Ethiopian diaspora. The agreement enables eligible diaspora members to access loans covering up to 80pc of a home's value at reasonable interest rates. The bank's Deputy CEO Kidane Gebreselassie noted the deal will promote the real estate sector and expand homeownership options. Founder and CEO of Gift Real Estate, Gebreyesus Igata...


Radar

Jimma University Signs Sports Science Agreement to Strengthen National Programmes

Jimma University has signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Derartu Tulu Sports Training & Research Institute, and the Oromia Youth & Sport Bureau to advance Ethiopia's sports science and training capacity. Signed on June 26, the agreement includes joint research, shared facilities, and hosting of national and international competitions. It is expected to strengthen youth development, public health, and national pride through coor...