BSE CEO Thapelo Tsheole on what makes the bourse attractive to UAE investors
The Botswana Stock Exchange, like other businesses from Africa and from around the world, sent key executives to the business melting pot that is Dubai Expo 2020, to pitch its investment case. CNBC Africa’s Fifi Peters caught up with the CEO Thapelo Tsheole for more.
Tue, 19 Oct 2021 10:47:42 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The BSE focuses on broadening its investor base, leveraging its resilience during the pandemic to attract companies seeking to list on the exchange.
- Investors from the Middle East show interest in the BSE due to its competitive returns, prompting a strategic push towards regulatory alignment and investor inclusivity across African markets.
- Efforts to integrate stock exchanges within Africa, including inter-linking major exchanges and harmonizing trading practices in the SADC region, are underway to boost intracontinental trade and investment.
The Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) is making waves at the Dubai Expo 2020, where key executives are showcasing the investment opportunities the BSE has to offer to a global audience. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, BSE CEO Thapelo Tsheole shared insights into the market's resilience during the pandemic, its plans for attracting more investors, and the integration projects aimed at strengthening Africa's capital markets.
Tsheole highlighted the BSE's focus on broadening its investor base, particularly in the Middle East. He noted that despite challenges faced by listed companies during the pandemic, many leveraged their status to raise capital and navigate the economic downturn successfully. This advantage, he explained, has led to increased interest from companies looking to list on the BSE in the near future.
When asked about expressions of interest from UAE companies, Tsheole mentioned that while direct interest from firms has been limited, investors from the region are eyeing the BSE for its competitive returns compared to other markets. He underscored the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks and expanding investor participation to enhance capital markets across Africa.
On the topic of market integration within the continent, Tsheole outlined ongoing projects aimed at connecting stock exchanges in Africa more closely. He revealed that initiatives to link major exchanges had commenced two years ago and are expected to be completed by next year. Additionally, efforts to harmonize trading practices and regulatory environments in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region are underway to facilitate intra-regional investments.
As Africa looks to harness its market potential and promote intracontinental trade, the BSE remains at the forefront of initiatives that seek to drive innovation and inclusivity in the region's capital markets. With a strategic focus on regulatory alignment, investor outreach, and market integration, Tsheole and the BSE are poised to lead the charge towards a more robust and interconnected financial landscape in Africa.