Rwanda has launched a professional training and certification pathway for its capital market participants, a move aimed at lifting skills, strengthening investor confidence, and accelerating the country’s ambition to position itself as a regional financial hub.
The initiative, developed in partnership with the UK-based Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, introduces the Rwanda Market Licensing Pathway, a three-tier qualification system blending international best practice with Rwanda-specific regulatory requirements. It is designed to raise professional competence, embed ethical conduct, and ensure technical expertise across the market.
Under a new directive issued on August 6, firms operating in the sector must now show that their staff not only hold accredited qualifications but also comply with ongoing training obligations through mandatory continuing professional development. Officials say the model is intended to keep skills current, reduce risks of misconduct, and align Rwanda’s market with international norms.
“Rwanda’s market will grow as fast as its skills base,” Capital Market Authority, Chief Executive Thapelo Tsheole said. “This pathway gives professionals a clear roadmap from credible certification to continuous development, aligning with international standards while reflecting our market realities,” He added.
According to Abbie Cornish, International Development Executive at CISI, the system clarifies professional expectations while bolstering investor protection. “The licensing pathway clarifies what ‘good’ looks like, from entry-level staff to specialist roles. CPD then keeps skills current, which is vital for investor protection. CISI membership also connects professionals to a global network and lifelong learning resources,” Cornish said.
The program was formally launched during a webinar that detailed entry requirements, examination structures, and CPD integration, while also outlining the benefits of CISI membership such as access to ethics modules, study resources, and an international professional network.
For Rwanda, the initiative comes at a time when the government is investing heavily in positioning Kigali as a financial services hub to serve East Africa and beyond. Regulators argue that without robust skills standards, deepening capital markets and attracting new issuers will be difficult. The training pathway, they say, is a necessary foundation for market growth, ensuring that Rwanda’s expanding pool of brokers, analysts, and compliance officers can meet international expectations.
