Zane

Developing Capital Markets: Financing the Future in Frontier and Emerging Markets

John Schellhase, Hedi Ben Mlouka, Afsaneh Beschloss, Claver Gatete, Megan McDonald, Stephanie von Friedeburg, Eden Mabilana, Leah Kusensela, Zane

The Milken Institute, IFC, and developing nation governments convened a panel featuring leaders from Rwanda, Standard Bank, and major asset managers to address capital markets as a primary constraint on economic growth in frontier and emerging markets. The discussion highlighted Rwanda's successful sovereign bond issuance and regional integration strategy alongside the IFC's shift toward creating market infrastructure to mobilize $7 billion in local currency financing. Despite persistent challenges regarding liquidity and corporate supply, the panelists advocated for regulatory reforms and mobile technology adoption to unlock the high-growth potential of African and other frontier economies.