NAIROBI, Kenya – The Somali Stock Exchange (SSE) and the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) are set to co-host a crucial event, the East Africa Islamic Finance Forum 2025, marking a new chapter for ethical and Shariah-compliant finance in the region.
The high-level forum will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on December 2-3, 2025. It aims to build a new era of ethical investment and financial resilience by strengthening cooperation between East Africa’s burgeoning financial sector and established markets in the Middle East and beyond.
This strategic partnership emerges as East African economies demonstrate remarkable resilience, pursuing growth and innovation despite global economic shocks and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
A Region of Rapid Growth
The forum comes at a time of explosive growth in ethical finance. Globally, assets held by Islamic financial institutions have expanded by nearly 25% annually, reaching an estimated US$4.5 trillion by 2024.
East Africa is at the forefront of this expansion, driven by a strong demand for ethical, Shariah-compliant financial solutions. Between 2012 and 2022, the number of institutions offering Islamic financial services in the region surged from 16 to 84. Ethiopia leads this growth with 23 institutions, followed by Somalia and Kenya, each with 19.
The recent expansion of the East Africa Community, including Somalia’s accession, has also bolstered the East Africa Securities Exchange Association (EASEA), which has grown from four to eight stock exchanges from seven member countries.
Hassan Dudde, CEO of the Somali Stock Exchange, emphasized the opportunity this presents for regional investors.
“I believe this will open investment opportunities for many citizens in the region who will be able to invest in halal shares and sukuk,” Mr. Dudde stated. “That’s why we are making sure that our prospective capital markets facilitate that platform.”
A Platform for Dialogue and Action
Operating on core principles of fairness, transparency, and shared risk, Islamic finance prohibits interest (riba) and promotes investment in real economic activity. This model is inherently aligned with inclusive and sustainable development goals, offering powerful support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across East Africa.
The East Africa Islamic Finance Forum 2025 will provide a premier platform for innovation and collaboration across three core sectors: Islamic Banking and Finance, Islamic Capital Markets, and Takaful (Islamic Insurance).
Participants will engage in high-level discussions and case studies focused on mobilizing Shariah-compliant capital, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and enhancing financial inclusion. The forum will also seek to address existing gaps in public awareness, education, and policy alignment that currently constrain the sector’s growth.
About the Organisers
- Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE): Founded in 1954, the Nairobi Securities Exchange is one of Africa’s leading capital markets institutions. The NSE has played a pivotal role in Kenya’s financial evolution, offering diverse investment products and leading sustainability and innovation initiatives, including Kenya’s first Islamic finance listing, the Linzi Sukuk.
- Somali Stock Exchange (SSE): Established in 2015 by the Somali Economic Forum, the Somali Stock Exchange is Somalia’s first-ever formal stock exchange. With offices in Mogadishu, Garowe, and Hargeisa, the SSE has positioned itself as a symbol of resilience and renewal in Somalia’s growing economy. Its mission is to empower investors through cutting-edge technology, innovative financial products, and transparent operations.
