Second Annual Conference on Credit Ratings focuses on strengthening African capital markets

The Second Annual Conference on Credit Ratings opened, this morning, at the InterContinental Resort Hotel in Balaclava, bringing together stakeholders to discuss the development of African capital markets and the mobilisation of resources for sustainable development.

The two-day Conference, being held from 05 to 06 October 2026 under the theme ‘Towards Developing African Capital Markets: Rechanneling Africa’s Capital’, focuses on improving access to capital, expanding investment opportunities and supporting Africa’s economic transformation.

The Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Dr (Mrs) Jyoti Jeetun; the Governor of the Bank of Mauritius, Dr Priscilla Muthoora Thakoor; the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh; the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Peer Review Mechanism, Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre; and other personalities were present at the ceremony.

In her address, Dr Jeetun noted that African economies are facing growing financing needs amid declining concessional financing and challenging global financial conditions, making credit ratings increasingly important in determining access to capital and borrowing costs. She stressed that sound macroeconomic fundamentals, sustainable debt management, reliable economic data, strong regulatory frameworks and credible governance are essential to creating an environment conducive to investment.

Minister Jeetun also dwelt on the role of deeper and more liquid capital markets in diversifying financing sources and supporting infrastructure, business expansion and innovation. She outlined Mauritius’ role in facilitating cross-border investment and capital integration through its financial services ecosystem, and called for practical measures to reduce investment risks and unlock greater financing for Africa’s development.

For her part, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh stressed the importance of accurate and transparent assessments of African economies in informing investment decisions. She called for stronger cooperation among governments, development partners, regulators, investors and the private sector to improve market confidence and financing outcomes.

As for Ambassador Rose-Quatre, she emphasised the need to unlock Africa’s estimated USD 4 trillion in capital and channel it towards productive investment. She underlined the private sector’s role in wealth creation and drew attention to emerging risks, including competition over natural resources, cybersecurity in the age of artificial intelligence and the continent’s rapidly growing youth population. She also highlighted that investment in education, skills, health, innovation and research is essential to harnessing Africa’s human capital and supporting its development.

05 October 2026

Email: gis@govmu.org

Website: https://gis.govmu.org

Mobile App: GIS News

Topics: Financial Services