SEC DG Forecasts $10 Trillion Digital Asset Opportunity for Africa & Middle East by 2030

The Director-General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has predicted that the combined opportunities in digital assets across Africa and the Middle East could exceed $10 trillion by the end of this decade.

He cited the region’s young, tech-driven population as a key innovation and economic transformation engine.

Agama shared this outlook during his acceptance speech after being elected Vice Chairman of the Africa/Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). The position also grants him a seat on IOSCO’s Board until 2026.

“With 70 per cent of Africa’s population under 30, we must empower youth through retail investor programmes to democratise market participation, fintech sandboxes to nurture youth-led innovation, and listings of high-growth startups to create wealth and jobs,” Agama said.

He stressed that the region must aim to lead the global digital asset shift, not trail it, and outlined measures to deepen capital market integration. These include aligning listing standards, reducing costs, and establishing cross-border investment frameworks in collaboration with AFMI and regional exchanges.

“To boost liquidity, we will pioneer regional market-making schemes and advocate for pension fund reforms to channel domestic savings into productive investments,” he added.

Agama also unveiled a Listings Growth Initiative to support SME capital raising and promote broader financial inclusion.

Founded in 1983, IOSCO is the top global policy body for securities regulators, covering over 100 jurisdictions and overseeing 95% of the world’s securities markets. Agama acknowledged IOSCO’s progress but urged continued cooperation among member states.

“There is still a lot of work to be done. I call on members to continue to render the mutual support and cooperation of past years for the benefit of investors, markets, and indeed the world economy,” he said.

His election is viewed as a milestone for Nigeria’s capital market, reinforcing its push for youth empowerment, digital innovation, and regional market integration.