BRVM Marks 29-Year Anniversary

The Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) marked its 29th anniversary on December 18, 2025, celebrating nearly three decades of unwavering commitment to the economic and financial development of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

Since its establishment in 1996, the regional stock exchange has evolved from a bold project into an African benchmark, recognized for its stability, transparency, and ability to unite diverse economies around a single market.

Today, the BRVM stands as one of the largest stock exchanges in Africa, with a combined market capitalization of $24 billion across its stocks and bonds markets.

A Strategic Pillar for Regional Development

The BRVM stands out for its innovative model as a common regional stock exchange serving eight WAEMU member states. This unique institutional architecture has enabled the pooling of resources, harmonization of market rules, and strengthening of regional financial depth.

Over 29 years, the exchange has played a central role in mobilizing local and international savings, channeling them towards financing productive investments.

Sovereign bond issuances have found a structuring channel through the BRVM to support public policies, while numerous companies have accessed the market to support their expansion, strengthen their governance, and increase their visibility.

This catalytic role has proven strategic in a regional context marked by growing needs for infrastructure, industrialization, and energy transition, where the financial market serves as a credible and complementary alternative to traditional bank financing.

Impressive Growth and Scale

With a $24 billion market capitalization spanning both equity and debt securities, the BRVM has established itself as a major player in the African financial landscape.

This remarkable growth from its humble beginnings in 1996 demonstrates the exchange’s success in attracting both domestic and international investment, while providing crucial capital to governments and businesses across the region.

Focus on Innovation and Sustainable Finance

On this milestone anniversary, the BRVM reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing ongoing reforms, strengthening financial innovation, and accelerating market digitalization. These strategic directions aim to broaden the investor base, facilitate access to capital markets for SMEs and high-potential companies, and support the growth of sustainable finance—a major priority for the region’s development.

The stated ambition is clear: to make the regional financial market an even more inclusive tool capable of supporting responsible financing strategies aligned with the economic, social, and environmental priorities of WAEMU. A key focus moving forward is developing financing mechanisms aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability requirements.

As it approaches its thirtieth year, the BRVM is looking to the future with ambition and determination. More than just a stock exchange, it intends to consolidate its role as an engine of growth, financial integration, and shared prosperity for the benefit of the economies and people of WAEMU.

The institution expressed gratitude to member states, supervisory and regulatory authorities, listed companies, financial intermediaries, and all investors whose trust and commitment have shaped the market’s dynamism over the years.

Investing in West African Markets Made Easy

Want to participate in the growth story of West African capital markets?

Daba App makes it simple to invest in BRVM-listed stocks and other African securities directly from your phone.

For institutional investors and professionals, Daba Pro offers advanced tools and analytics for West African markets.

New to investing? Start your learning journey with Daba Academy, where you can master the fundamentals of African capital markets and investment strategies.

After 29 years and $24 billion in market capitalization, the West African regional stock exchange confirms that it remains a strategic instrument serving the sustainable development of the region—and you can be part of this exciting journey.