Meet the CEOs of Africa’s stock exchanges  

As sectors like technology, consumer goods, and infrastructure drive unprecedented expansion, the custodians of this transformation sit in the executive suites of Africa’s stock exchanges.

These CEOs and Managing Directors, through a combination of expertise, opportunity, and strategic positioning, now help the institutions that power Africa’s economic infrastructure.

From the historic Johannesburg Stock Exchange to the rapidly growing Nigerian Exchange, these leaders represent diverse backgrounds but share the privilege of guiding markets that collectively surpassed $1.4 trillion in capitalization.

Their boardrooms make decisions affecting millions of investors, from local pension funds to international institutions seeking African exposure. This profile examines the select group of CEOs and MDs entrusted with steering these vital financial institutions.

From capturing the market capitalization of the exchanges, to the last three-month percentage growth so far in 2025. Let’s take a look

Ms. Abena Amoah- MD Ghana Stock Exchange  

Abena Amoah is the Managing Director of the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) and a leading voice in Africa’s capital markets. With over 20 years of experience in investment banking and financial advisory, she has been instrumental in shaping the capital markets ecosystem across Ghana and West Africa. Her expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt placements, market development, and corporate governance.

Before her appointment as GSE MD, Abena led Baobab Advisors, raising over US$100 million in growth capital and supporting listings on the Ghana and London Stock Exchanges. Under her leadership, the GSE has achieved remarkable growth. In 2024, the GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI) surged by 56.17%, marking its highest return since 2013.

She has served as Non-Executive Director of Coronation Insurance Ghana, Access Bank Ghana, and the University of Ghana, where she chaired several investment committees. She was also Vice Chair of the African Women’s Development Fund and led the early development of the US$250 million WestPark Industrial Park in Ghana.

Abena holds a First-Class degree in Accounting from the University of Ghana and executive education from Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB.

John R Kamanga- CEO Malawi Stock Exchange  

John Robson Kamanga is a seasoned financial economist and capital markets expert with over 18 years of experience shaping capital market development, operations, and regulation in Malawi.

He has played a pivotal role in structuring market frameworks and ensuring compliance in corporate finance transactions for listed companies. Mr. Kamanga holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Economics, a Master of Arts in International and Monetary Economics, and an MSc in Leadership and Change Management. He is a Certified Member of SAIFM and a Certified Corporate Governance Expert (IFC).

He has played a pivotal role in structuring market frameworks and ensuring compliance in corporate finance transactions for listed companies. Mr. Kamanga holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Economics, a Master of Arts in International and Monetary Economics, and an MSc in Leadership and Change Management. He is a Certified Member of SAIFM and a Certified Corporate Governance Expert (IFC).

The Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE), established in 1996, operates under the Financial Services Act 2010. Headquartered in Blantyre, the MSE has fostered efficient securities trading since listing its first company, National Insurance Company. The MSE All-Share Index rose by 55.06% in 2024, following a 78.85% surge in 2023.

Nicholas Kabaso – CEO Lusaka Securities Exchange  

Nicholas Kabaso is the current Chief Executive Officer of the Lusaka Securities Exchange Plc (LuSE), appointed in January 2024. He brings over 15 years of experience in capital markets, asset management, and financial governance to his role at the helm of Zambia’s premier securities exchange.

The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) was established in 1993 and commenced operations in 1994. Since inception, LuSE has diversified the range of financial instruments available in Zambia, including equities, unit trusts, government and corporate bonds.

In 1997, the LuSE All Share Index (LASI) was launched with a base value of 100 points to track market performance. Prior to joining LuSE, Mr. Kabaso served as the Chief Executive Officer of ABC Asset.

Management from 2017 to 2023, and earlier held the role of Chief of Staff at Atlas Mara Ltd. His professional journey includes several strategic finance roles at Barclays Zambia and Mozambique, including Head of Business Performance and Analytics, and Finance Business Partner across retail and investment banking segments.

Kabaso has held various board-level positions across Zambia’s financial and investment ecosystem. He currently serves as:

Academically, Mr. Kabaso holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Zambia and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mathematics Statistics from the same institution. He is a Washington Fellow in Business and Entrepreneurship, having studied at Clark Atlanta University under the U.S. Department of State’s Mandela Washington Fellowship, and is a candidate of the CFA Institute and the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).

Frank Mwiti – CEO Nairobi Exchange

Frank Mwiti is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nairobi Securities Exchange Plc (NSE), bringing over two decades of global and regional experience in finance, strategy, and governance. His expertise spans corporate finance, M&A, investment banking, business development, and performance improvement.

The NSE, founded in 1954, is East Africa’s leading stock exchange. Headquartered in Nairobi, it provides a platform for local and international investors. Mwiti’s appointment signals a renewed focus on regional integration and global competitiveness.

Dr Edoh Kossi Amenounve – CEO of BRVM Stock Exchange 

Dr. Edoh Kossi Amenounve is the Chief Executive Officer of the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) and its Central Depository/Settlement Bank (DC/BR), a position he has held since October 2012.

Under his leadership, BRVM has evolved into a fully digital and regionally integrated exchange serving eight West African countries, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. Based in Abidjan, the BRVM is a flagship example of cross-border collaboration and financial integration in Africa.

Prior to joining BRVM, Dr. Amenounve served as Secretary General of the Regional Council for Savings and Financial Markets (CREPMF), the WAEMU’s capital markets regulator, from 2003 to 2012. He is a past Chairman of the West African Capital Markets Integration Council (WACMIC) and currently serves as Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA).

Dr. Amenounve holds a PhD in Administration and Finance and an MBA from Laval University in Canada. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading finance experts, he has been instrumental in driving innovation, regional integration, and digital transformation in African capital markets.

Temi Popoola-GMD/CEO Nigeria Stock Exchange 

Temi Popoola is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX), Africa’s second-largest securities exchange.

A distinguished Nigerian investment banker with global experience, Popoola has been instrumental in transforming Nigeria’s capital markets through digital innovation and enhanced foreign investment flows.

Under his leadership, NGX achieved remarkable growth in 2024, delivering a 37.65% return as the All-Share Index surged from 74,773.77 to 102,926.4, with market capitalization expanding by N21.8 trillion to reach N62.763 trillion, driven particularly by strong performance in oil and gas stocks.