Rwanda Capital Market Authority (CMA) is intensifying efforts to advertise a tradition of saving and investing amongst younger folks, arguing that monetary literacy and participation in capital markets are important for long-term financial prosperity.
Greater than 1,000 younger folks attended the Capital Markets Youth Discussion board 2026, organised by CMA on June 10 in partnership with Rwanda Inventory Alternate (RSE), Entry to Finance Rwanda, Rwanda Nationwide Funding Belief (RNIT Iterambere Fund), and the Luxembourg Company for Improvement Cooperation.
The discussion board centered on financial savings, funding, and wealth creation, with individuals inspired to place their cash into productive property equivalent to companies, land, and monetary devices relatively than leaving it idle, the place its worth could be diminished by inflation over time.
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In keeping with Romeo Ngarambe, Chief Govt Officer of CMA, the discussion board goals to deepen younger folks's understanding of Rwanda's capital market, promote long-term investing, and join youth with mentors and business professionals.
“Via this programme, we search to construct a stronger tradition of saving and funding amongst youth. We would like younger folks to know that the capital market is just not reserved for a couple of establishments or massive buyers,” he stated.
“It’s a platform the place people can take part, be taught, make investments, increase capital, assist companies and contribute to the nation’s growth agenda.”
As a part of the occasion, CMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the College of Rwanda to broaden monetary literacy and capital market consciousness throughout the nation.
Ngarambe urged younger folks to develop a long-term funding mindset.
“Progress takes time, self-discipline and endurance. Funding is just not solely about cash. Additionally it is about mindset. It requires planning, consistency and the willingness to be taught,” he stated.
“The sooner you perceive this, the higher ready you turn into to handle your assets, assist your households, construct enterprises and contribute to Rwanda’s prosperity.”
College problem rewards younger buyers with excellent tasks
A spotlight of the discussion board was the Capital Market College Problem, which attracted 1,100 individuals from eight universities. The competitors launched college students to shares, bonds, Collective Funding Schemes, and the broader function of capital markets in financial growth.
5 finalists with excellent tasks have been rewarded by means of capital market devices to encourage sensible investing. Ishimwe Senga Christian emerged as the general winner, receiving investments price Rwf1.5 million. He was adopted by Key Hirwa Iza (Rwf1.2 million), Protegene Maniraguha (Rwf1 million), Jean Baptiste Byiringiro (Rwf800,000), and Marthe Nshimiyimana (Rwf500,000).
Explaining the rationale behind awarding investments as an alternative of money, Ngarambe stated:
“We don’t need the prizes to finish at recognition solely. We would like the winners to expertise what it means to personal an funding, to observe its efficiency, to know danger and return, and to understand the advantages of long-term participation within the capital market.”
Saving alone not sufficient: Consultants warn towards leaving cash idle
Talking on financial savings and funding from an East African Neighborhood perspective, Alodie Iradukunda, a Member of the East African Legislative Meeting, inspired younger folks to suppose past Rwanda’s borders and faucet right into a regional market of greater than 300 million folks.
She highlighted alternatives such because the RNIT Iterambere Fund, which could be accessed by means of cell phones with a minimal funding of Rwf2,000 –yielding compounded and tax-free returns of round 11 to 11.5 per cent yearly — in addition to authorities Treasury Bonds listed on Rwanda Inventory Alternate.
Warning towards leaving cash idle, she stated:
“Saving alone is not sufficient. In actual fact, leaving your cash sitting idle in a primary checking account underneath the guise of ‘security’ is monetary suicide. Each single day, inflation quietly steals its buying energy from you.”
Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, Chief Govt Officer of Rwanda Inventory Alternate, urged individuals to begin investing whatever the quantity they’ll afford.
“Don’t wait till you’re feeling wealthy to begin investing. And don’t wait till you understand the whole lot concerning the monetary market. Begin at present, the place you might be, and with the information you acquired. As time goes on, you’ll be taught constantly, save persistently, and make investments responsibly.”
In keeping with CMA, the 2025 version of the youth programme reached greater than 2,000 college students nationwide. Constructing on that success, the 2026 version launched a structured mentorship element to offer profession publicity and maintain youth engagement in capital markets.
For competitors winner Christian Ishimwe Senga, the teachings have been clear.
“We obtained vital abilities sufficient to know the paramount of investments in shares. It can save you and stay with the identical cash nonetheless; funding means multiplication of the cash. It is advisable let cash be just right for you.”
