The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is developing a regulatory framework for digital assets and derivatives as part of a broader plan to enhance the country’s investment climate.

This initiative aims to create a secure environment for local and international investors and increase participation in Ghana’s capital markets.

Director General of SEC, Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, outlined the efforts during a recent Pension Industry Leaders' Dialogue, organised by the Ghana Venture Capital and Equity Association (GVCA), Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF) and Impact Investing Ghana.

He emphasised SEC’s focus on diversifying investment products and improving liquidity to stimulate market activity.

“We’re working to improve the diversity of investment products and liquidity in securities markets to enhance investor participation,” Mr. Klutse Avedzi stated, adding that the framework for digital assets and derivatives would help mobilize local capital.

This move to regulate digital assets and derivatives comes as part of the SEC’s larger strategy to position Ghana as an attractive investment hub in Africa, offering diversified and secure investment options.

The Chief Executive of the Ghana Venture Capital and Equity Association (GVCA), Amma Gyampo, stressed the importance of supporting Ghana’s venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) industries as essential part of financing and supporting the long-term success of the 24-Hour Economy.

"GVCA is a private-sector member-based industry association for Venture Capital and Private Equity investors, advisors and fund managers. This year, GVCA will be focused on taking the necessary steps required to drive change and assist members - institutional investors and professionals from banking, insurance, pensions, trustee and asset management backgrounds. We provide exclusive opportunities for continuous professional development, co-investment, risk management, policy and regulatory advocacy support to our Members".

"Our primary goals are to lower the barriers in the way of private equity, venture capital and access to SME growth finance, as well as domestic capital mobilisation", she said.

Amma Gyampo also highlighted GVCA’s renewed commitment to driving regulatory reform in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the SEC, National Pension Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Ministry of Finance, and Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF), with a focus on formal policy reviews that address practical industry bottlenecks.

General Manager of Venture Capital and Trust Fund, VCTF Percival Ampomah, reiterated the government's support for private sector investment, highlighting the significance of VCTF's strategic support for GVCA to enable local investments.

VCTF, the government-backed fund of funds, continues to support Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through the funding of local equity funds. To date, VCTF has anchored 14 venture capital funds, including Zinari Capital, a gender-focused fund manager

Meanwhile the GVCA has launched its upcoming 4th annual conference which is poised to unlock local institutional investor capital and position Ghana as a hub for Africa’s venture capital and private equity investment industry by fostering transformative policy reforms, strategic partnerships, and actionable solutions that will drive Ghana’s national development through growth-stage startup and mid-sized business financing.