Nigeria is the second largest OIC economy nevertheless, the sustained low oil price has impacted its economy. With a growing Islamic finance sector and the stability of the Government, there is immense potential for sustainable growth. Through a respected panel, we take a look at developments in regulation, banking, capital markets, investment management and Takaful and its impact to the Nigerian economy. In addition, we assess the success of its debut sovereign Sukuk and the opportunities for Islamic finance in the region.

We ask leading capital markets professionals to discuss the prospects for domestic and regional capital and Sukuk markets in the coming months. What structures and asset classes will find favour with issuers and investors? We examine distribution, ratings and credit enhancement measures, and identify other factors facing issuers in the Nigerian capital market. What challenges still exist within domestic taxation and regulatory frameworks and how can these be addressed? Finally, what does Sukuk offer West African sovereign, multi-lateral and supranational issuers?

We discuss public-private partnerships, financing structures as well as opportunities in active sectors.

SMEs are the backbone of most economies which create employment and boost the economic growth. Nevertheless, access to financing has been a key constraint to SMEs development especially in Africa. What funding options and commercial/corporate banking products are available to SMEs? How do Islamic solutions compare to conventional equivalents? With the rise of technological innovations, how can Islamic finance leverage technology in promoting more inclusive Nigeria? We seek answers from the expert panel.

Where is the market today for Islamic investments? Which sectors will growth originate? Is there a shift towards Sustainable, Responsible and Ethical Fund and Financing in West Africa? Does the industry need to become more aligned to ESG/SRI? How are institutional investors tackling ESG risks in their portfolios? Through an engaging panel we seek answers.

We discuss key ideas, issues and themes influencing Islamic finance, banking and investment in Kenya and the region. What will offer opportunity and what will disrupt and what role will Islamic finance play in the development of social inclusion and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in East Africa? What of new regulatory measures designed to boost domestic Islamic finance activity and what else is needed to grow capital markets, investment management, banking and Takaful?

We ask leading capital markets professionals to discuss the prospects for domestic and regional capital and Sukuk markets in the coming months. What structures and asset classes will find favour with issuers and investors? We examine distribution, ratings and credit enhancement measures, and identify other factors facing issuers in the Kenyan capital market. What challenges still exist within domestic taxation and regulatory frameworks and how can these be addressed? Finally, what does Sukuk offer East African sovereign, multi-lateral and supranational issuers?

We examine responsible, environmental and green finance in Kenya and ask how ethical and Islamic finance can potentially become closer interlinked. We also discuss how East Africa can grow its existing ESG niche among asset managers and owners and what role Islamic asset management can carve for itself in this. Do green bonds and Sukuk offer viable long-term investments and how can the industry address the relative scarcity of credible climate related and low carbon investment opportunities in East Africa?

We look at opportunities in key sectors and examine the PPP/BOT process in Kenya: what has been done to date, what is expected from bank financing and capital markets and what can be learnt from other markets? We ask what the private sector and Islamic finance can offer in the development of the Kenya’s important infrastructure and social welfare projects and the long-term benefit of the country’s people.

We take a close look at the Islamic asset management and pension fund industries in Kenya and ask what investors and savers need and what the industry can offer. What are the key challenges facing the investment management industry in Kenya today? We also discuss the growth and development of Takaful in Kenya and ask if new market entrants will add the critical mass the industry requires.

Through an expert panel we discuss the role of technology in the Kenyan financial services industry, and assess the latest developments in platforms, products and delivery channels across a wide spectrum of financial services. What do Blockchain and smart contracts offer Islamic financial institutions, intermediaries and end-users, and what solutions are on offer to serve retail and SME sectors in particular?

We discuss key ideas, issues and themes influencing Islamic finance, banking and investment in Southern Africa and beyond. What will offer opportunity and what will disrupt and what role will Islamic finance play in the development of social inclusion and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in Southern Africa? What is needed to grow regional Islamic capital markets, investment management, banking and Takaful?

Through an expert panel we discuss the role of technology in the South Africa financial services industry, and assess the latest developments in platforms, products and delivery channels across a wide spectrum of financial services. What do Blockchain and smart contracts offer Islamic financial institutions, intermediaries and end-users, and what solutions are on offer to serve retail and SME sectors in particular?

We ask leading capital markets professionals to discuss the prospects for domestic and regional capital markets in the coming months. What structures and asset classes will find favour with issuers and investors and where does Islamic finance fit? What challenges still exist within regional taxation and regulatory frameworks for Islamic financial products and how can these be addressed? Finally, five years after the maiden South African US$500 million Sovereign, what does Sukuk offer Southern African sovereign, multi-lateral and supranational issuers?

We take a close look at the Islamic asset management and pension fund industries in Southern Africa and ask what investors and savers need and what the industry can offer. What are the key challenges facing the investment management industry today, and what role does technology play in managing money and optimising distribution channels? We discuss the growth and development of Takaful in South Africa and ask if new market entrants will add the critical mass the industry requires. We also discuss how South Africa can grow its existing ESG niche among asset managers and owners and what role Islamic asset management can carve for itself in this.

We look at opportunities in key sectors and examine the PPP/BOT process in South Africa: what has been done to date, what is expected from bank financing and capital markets and what can be learnt from other markets? We ask what the private sector and Islamic finance can offer in the development of the South Africa’s important infrastructure and social welfare projects and the long-term benefit of the country’s people.