Upcoming IPOs on the BRVM market

Cote d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, is set to witness an influx of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) on the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) market in the coming months. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Farid Traore, Head of Sales and Syndication at Hudson & Co., shed light on the future IPO outlook for the Ivorian economy. Traore highlighted the expected IPO of NSIA Bank, one of the major players in the Ivorian banking industry. He mentioned that the IPO is anticipated to take place by the end of the first semester of 2017. Additionally, Traore revealed that Ecobank Cote d'Ivoire is also gearing up to be listed on the BRVM, indicating a positive trend in the market with more companies seeking to go public. Looking ahead, Traore hinted at the possibility of one or two more companies joining the BRVM by the end of the year. The expected influx of IPOs signifies a promising period for investors seeking opportunities in the Ivorian market. The banking sector in Cote d'Ivoire has shown significant growth, with a close to 10% increase in the country's GDP in the third quarter of 2016. Traore emphasized that the banking sector has experienced positive results, with several new banks entering the market and contributing to the overall success of the BRVM. The entry of institutions like Pembik and BRM has bolstered the banking landscape in the region, reflecting a robust performance in terms of net profits and stock prices. Investors can expect a flourishing banking sector in 2017, with Traore noting the sector's resilience and positive trajectory. The BRVM is gearing up for a roadshow in the upcoming years to attract more international investors to the market. Traore expressed optimism about the roadshow's potential to drive investments from diverse regions, including Asia, Latin America, America, and Europe. By showcasing the strength and growth potential of the Ivorian market, the roadshow aims to position the BRVM as an attractive investment destination for global investors. Additionally, Traore highlighted the importance of attracting investors from neighboring countries like Nigeria, establishing the BRVM as a favorable hub for investment in the West African region. When it comes to the political environment in Cote d'Ivoire, Traore reassured investors about the country's stability. Despite past concerns related to civil unrest, Traore noted a significant improvement in the political landscape, attributing it to the government's responsiveness to social needs and public demands. With upcoming elections and a focus on maintaining stability, Traore expressed confidence in the country's peaceful transition, providing a conducive environment for foreign investors looking to capitalize on opportunities in various sectors. In terms of investment opportunities, Traore highlighted infrastructure, agriculture, and the banking sector as key areas experiencing growth in Cote d'Ivoire. The country's focus on infrastructure development, with both public and private investments driving projects forward, presents lucrative prospects for investors. Additionally, the agro-sector and the banking industry are flourishing, with institutions like Bank of Africa demonstrating strong performance and expansion plans. With initiatives to increase capital and enhance stock value, companies in these sectors are attracting investments and positioning themselves for sustainable growth in the Ivorian market. The anticipated surge in IPOs, coupled with the robust performance of the banking sector and strategic initiatives to attract international investors, paints a positive outlook for Cote d'Ivoire's economy. With stability on the political front and diverse investment opportunities across sectors, the Ivorian market is poised for growth and offers promising prospects for investors seeking to tap into the region's potential.