Financial Market: Bridging Gap Between Capital Businesses

T he financial market faces a major challenge which is connecting available capital with businesses that need funding to invest, grow, and create jobs. It was one of the central issues raised at the first Dia­ mond Capital Convention, which brought together public authorities, financial institutions, businesses, in­ vestors, and young people. Despite its potential, the financial market re­ mains difficult to access for many companies. During the event placed under the auspices of the Prime Mi­ nister Head of Government, the Ge­ neral Manager of Almasi Capital Ad­ visory, Ingrid Obouh Fegue, underlined that the complex financial mecha­ nisms, limited knowledge of available instruments, and lack of trust can wi­ den the distance between entrepre­ neurs and investors, and as a result, capital may be available while viable businesses struggle to secure finan­ cing. “Finance must serve the real economy, companies should be able to use the market not only for major transactions, but also to finance in­ vestment, support expansion, prepare ownership transfers and scale up their activities,” she added. For finance to serve the real economy, financial professionals should improve com­ munication, understand businesses’ needs, and develop simpler, more ac­ cessible, and tailored financial solu­ tions. On their part, companies need to learn more about the market, clarify their financing needs, and develop bankable projects. In his opening speech, and on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze, said the Diamond Capital Convention has ope­ ned with a strong call for deeper fi­ nancial-market reforms to channel more capital into productive invest­ ment across Central Africa. Addressing participants, he stressed th...