25 University Students Excel in 2024 Capital Market University Challenge

Twenty-five university students from across 37 universities and higher learning institutions excel by winning awards at both provincial and national levels in the 2024 Capital Market University Challenge.

The Capital Market University Challenge is a competition designed to familiarize students from universities and higher learning institutions with the capital market business. It aims to cultivate a culture of saving and investment among participants, preparing them to become future investors and professionals in the industry.

Among the standout winners of the 2024 competition were Jean Pierre Nshimiyimana, Esther Ashimwe, Vainqueur Irasubiza, Alphonse Majyambere, and Joel Rwambibi.

The Capital Market University Challenge encourages students to embrace the culture of saving and investment that ensures sustainability. Participants are urged to explore opportunities in capital market products such as shares and bonds, as well as to consider collective investment through savings and investment clubs.

“This award serves as motivation for students like myself still in university to begin thinking about investments and job creation through savings,” said Jean Pierre Nshimiyimana, the overall winner and a student at the University of Kigali. He plans to initiate an ICT-related project with the award he received.

Mr. Thapelo Tsheole, CEO of CMA, awarded the trophy to Esther Ashimwe, the runner-up of the 2024 Capital Market University Challenge at a national level

Esther Ashimwe, a student from the University of Rwanda and second-place winner, urged more female participation in future editions of the Capital Market University Challenge. “This competition boosts the confidence of girls, and increased female participation will lead to greater investment in the capital market,” she asserted.

Thapelo Tsheole, CEO of the Capital Market Authority, highlighted the scale of participation in the 2024 Challenge, with 760 students from 37 universities across Rwanda taking part. He emphasized the programme’s role in nurturing future investors and professionals to the growth and sustainability of Rwanda’s capital market industry.

“As Rwanda strives for self-reliance through mobilizing domestic resources for socio-economic development, active engagement in the capital market becomes increasingly vital,” Tsheole stated. He underscored the importance of investing in educational initiatives targeting students, young professionals, and potential investors.

Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, CEO of the Rwanda Stock Exchange, emphasized the benefits of investing in the stock market, describing it as a form of saving that yields annual returns and appreciates in value over time.

Mr. Tsheole thanked partners such as the Bank of Kigali, BK Capital, and the Rwanda Stock Exchange for their commitment to organizing yet another successful edition of the Capital Market University Challenge.