Namibian Stock Exchange CEO talks listings, strategy & outlook

Namibia has been making headlines recently as the second largest market by total market capitalization in the region. The CEO of the Namibian Stock Exchange, Tiaan Bazuin, sat down for an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa's Godfrey Mutizwa to shed light on the impressive growth and future prospects of the Namibian market. Bazuin highlighted the remarkable performance of the local index, which surged nearly 35% in Namibian dollar terms, owing to significant transactions like Heineken's deal with Namibia Breweries. The country's economy is on an upward trajectory, bolstered by major discoveries like the 11 billion barrels of oil and the increasing attractiveness of Namibian government bonds trading at a discount to South African bonds. One of the key themes discussed in the interview was the emergence of green hydrogen as a potential game-changer for Namibia. Bazuin pointed out that with the global shift towards green energy, Namibia's position as a refueling station for hydrogen could bring significant economic benefits and solidify its position in the energy market. The conversation delved into the listing environment in Namibia, contrasting it with the challenges faced by exchanges like the JSE in attracting new listings. Bazuin cited successful listings such as Sino Resources and MTC, attributing the exchange's appeal to its business-friendly approach and reasonable pricing. Looking ahead, Bazuin revealed that the Namibian Stock Exchange has set its sights on expanding its offerings, including launching a bond trading system and pursuing a license for a Central Securities Depository (CSD) to further enhance market infrastructure. The exchange's membership in the World Federation of Exchanges and its participation in discussions on carbon credit trading with regional exchanges underscore its commitment to driving growth and collaboration. The interview concluded with a discussion on the potential for carbon credit trading in Africa and the need for harmonization among exchanges to maximize the opportunities in the burgeoning market. Bazuin emphasized the importance of government support and cooperation to create an enabling environment for exchanges to capitalize on green initiatives and economic opportunities. In light of the promising outlook for the Namibian market and the region's focus on sustainable growth, the interview with Tiaan Bazuin provided valuable insights into the future of the exchange and its strategic initiatives to drive continued success.