Nigeria’s United Capital Plc picks Rwanda as Its East and Central African hub
Rwanda was selected as the base for this expansion due to its stable governance framework, robust legal infrastructure, ease of doing business and strategic location at the heart of East and Central Africa
KIGALI, May 13, 2026 — The Capital Market Authority of Rwanda [CMA] has granted an investment banking licence to United Capital Plc’s subsidiary, United Capital Financial Services Rwanda Ltd, in a landmark development that brings one of Africa’s leading financial institutions to Rwanda and further strengthens the country’s position as a preferred gateway for continental capital into East and Central Africa.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority of Rwanda, Romeo Ngarambe, said: “When a pan-African institution of United Capital’s calibre and track record deliberately chooses Kigali as the base for its East and Central African operations, it sends a signal that no ranking or report can replicate. It tells the world that Rwanda’s market is credible, our institutions are trusted, and our ambition is backed by execution. This is the kind of conviction that can transform the trajectory of capital markets, and we remain committed to building a platform worthy of the best institutions Africa has to offer.”
Domiciled in Nigeria, United Capital Plc is a leading pan-African investment banking group with a strong track record in capital markets, corporate finance, asset management and structured finance across the continent. With deep roots in West Africa and an expanding presence in major financial centres, the Group’s decision to establish its East and Central African hub in Kigali represents a strong endorsement of Rwanda’s regulatory credibility, investment climate and ambition to become a world-class financial centre.
Rwanda was selected as the base for this expansion due to its stable governance framework, robust legal infrastructure, ease of doing business and strategic location at the heart of East and Central Africa — qualities that align with the standards United Capital applies in every market in which it operates.
The decision by an institution with a continental footprint, diversified client base and proven ability to structure and execute complex transactions demonstrates that Rwanda is increasingly becoming the destination of choice for institutions seeking a credible, well-governed and internationally recognised platform from which to access opportunities across East and Central Africa.
Under its licence, United Capital Financial Services Rwanda Ltd is authorised to provide a comprehensive range of investment banking and capital markets services, including corporate finance and capital mobilisation, project and infrastructure finance structuring, trade and supply chain finance solutions, structured finance and asset-backed instruments, as well as trusteeship, capital markets advisory and institutional capacity development.
The arrival of an institution of United Capital’s stature and continental reach marks a significant milestone for Rwanda’s capital markets sector. It is expected to deepen and enhance the sophistication of financial services available to issuers, investors and institutions across the region, while reinforcing Kigali’s position as a credible and competitive international financial centre.
The development is closely aligned with Rwanda’s national strategy to build a dynamic, regionally connected financial sector capable of mobilising long-term capital for infrastructure, industry and innovation, while cementing Kigali’s status as the financial hub of choice for East and Central Africa.
https://thecooperator.news/capital-markets-finance-by-other-means/
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