Africa Islamic Finance Forum

Home to almost a quarter of the total global Muslim population, Africa is one of the last great horizons for Islamic finance. Although the potential has long been recognized by the industry and its institutions; geopolitical barriers, civil unrest and regulatory limitations have hitherto inhibited its full flowering. However, in recent years the pace has picked up: with supranational development agencies supporting nations across the breadth of Africa to develop their legislative and regulatory frameworks, encourage the advent of Islamic institutions and innovations, and enable the issuance of Sukuk to stimulate their public sector spending. And as the third-fastest growing region in the world, outside interest is also gaining momentum with the continent an increasingly attractive destination for Shariah compliant FDI and trade between Africa and OIC countries across the rest of the world gaining compelling momentum.

As nations as diverse as Sudan, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Mauritania, Djibouti, Morocco, Tunisia and many more begin to bloom into their full potential, the eyes of the Islamic world are turning towards Africa. Against this landscape of exciting opportunity, IFN are delighted to announce a landmark Forum, to be held in Abidjan on the 17-18th September 2015 under the patronage of the Government of the Cote d’Ivoire, in association with the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector.

This exclusive, invitation-only event is designed specifically for the benefit of local and international market players to explore the development opportunities in Islamic finance both in the Cote d’Ivoire, locally and regionally – concentrating on building the market and exploring its exceptional potential through inward investment and international collaboration.

Leveraging the industry-leading expertise and experience of REDmoney Events and Islamic Finance news, the distinguished audience will include regulators, bankers, lawyers, consultants, scholars and a comprehensive array of expert practitioners from around the world with a stake in the evolution of the African Islamic finance industry.

Key Highlights:

• High level regulatory sessions with senior representatives across key African markets
• A focus on cross border collaboration for investment and capital-raising
• Outlook for Shariah-compliant fund raising and public private partnerships
• Opportunities for investment in Africa’s rapidly developing SME sector