Rwanda’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has announced the transformation of its flagship university competition into an annual nationwide event – the Capital Market Youth Forum – aimed at fostering a new generation of savvy investors and strengthening the country’s financial sector.
Previously known as the Capital Market University Challenge (CMUC), the program targeted university and higher education students in Rwanda, encouraging their participation in the capital markets and deepening their financial knowledge. The newly launched Youth Forum expands this reach to engage young people from across the entire country.
National Strategy for Future Investors
CMA Chief Executive Officer, Thapelo Tsheole, emphasized the significance of this national expansion. “Launching this forum at the national level is a crucial step in preparing Rwanda’s future investors,” Tsheole stated. He outlined the program’s three core pillars:
- Nationwide Awareness Campaigns: Showcasing opportunities within Rwanda’s capital and stock markets.
- Knowledge Competitions: Stimulating the practical application of financial knowledge.
- Professional Training: Providing specialized training for winners and deepening expertise in the capital markets sector.
CMUC 2025 Success Paves the Way
The final CMUC event in 2025 saw significant participation, with 2,700 students from universities and higher learning institutions competing. From this pool, 571 students qualified for the final round, culminating in 25 winners being awarded a total prize pool of 6 million Rwandan Francs (FRW). These prizes will be distributed in the form of shares, accompanied by brokers who will guide the winners in making their initial investments.
Building a Strong Financial Culture
CEO Tsheole highlighted the program’s impact: “These activities have been instrumental in discussing various topics, including efficient personal finance management without waste, the culture of investing for wealth creation, and participating in building a robust financial sector in Rwanda.”
He announced that the 25 winning students will receive specialized training in Rwanda’s Capital and Stock Markets, praising the CMA’s role in advancing the nation’s financial landscape.
Gratitude and Collaboration
Tsheole extended appreciation to all partners involved in the journey, including the participating universities and higher learning institutions, the students, and key collaborators like RNIT, BK Capital, CDH Capital, Mo Capital, and Faida Securities, who played vital roles in the success of the Capital Market Youth Forum 2025.
Winner’s Perspective: A Foundation for the Future
Didier Abimana Rutazuyaza, a student at the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB) who won the top prize of 1 million FRW, shared his experience. “Through the CMA campaign, I have learned a great deal. I now fully understand the importance of investing in shares,” Abimana said. “This prize is an excellent starting point in my journey to explore the opportunities within the capital and stock markets. It helps me build a better future.”
Emphasis on Integrity and Responsibility
Linda Rusagara Mutesi, the Permanent Secretary in charge of Public Investment at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, stressed the fundamental importance of trust and responsibility for a strong market. “If someone claims to have invested one billion, we need to verify if that’s true. You need to know if your company’s financial information is accurate,” Mutesi stated.
“For anyone entering the financial markets – whether to become a major trader or a professional accountant – the primary value you must uphold to achieve your goals is trustworthiness.” She reminded attendees of the critical need for financial responsibility, cautioning against misusing funds intended for specific purposes, such as taking a loan meant for business equipment to buy a car.
A Decade of Impact
Over the past years, the CMUC program has engaged over 10,000 students, demonstrating its significant role in sparking youth interest in capital markets and contributing to the foundation of a robust financial sector in Rwanda. The newly inaugurated Capital Market Youth Forum aims to build on this legacy, empowering Rwanda’s youth to become active participants and informed investors in the nation’s economic future. The forum will now be held annually.
