Namibia Securities Exchange CEO on expanding product offerings

The Namibia Securities Exchange, formerly known as the Namibian Stock Exchange, is a crucial player in Namibia's financial landscape, providing a platform for capital raising, investment growth, and regional market integration. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Tiaan Bazuin, the CEO of the Namibia Securities Exchange, shared insights into the exchange's expansion plans and market trends. Bazuin mentioned that the exchange has been focusing on diversifying its product offerings by zero-rating listing fees for applications from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) to encourage more dual listings. The goal is to broaden the product portfolio available to clients, particularly in the realm of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs). Looking back at 2024, Bazuin highlighted significant developments such as the launch of a bond trading system and regulatory changes to enhance bond market trading. The rebranding to Namibia Securities Exchange marked a shift towards demutualization, signaling the exchange's transition to a company structure. Additionally, projects like the Central Securities Depository are underway, with plans for implementation in collaboration with the Central Bank. Discussing sustainability initiatives, Bazuin noted increased issuances of sustainability linked bonds and efforts within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to create a unified framework for sustainability reporting across Africa. While emphasizing the importance of a common standard, Bazuin acknowledged the need for a regulatory mandate to enforce compliance. When prompted about upcoming IPOs and new listings, Bazuin remained discreet, hinting at potential listings in the pipeline without divulging specific details. He expressed optimism about the prospect of more dual listings in the future, driven by companies looking to access the Namibian market. Amid global economic uncertainties stemming from geopolitical tensions and trade disputes, Bazuin pointed out that Namibia's outlook had improved following an oil discovery, albeit with a speculative impact until production commences. Reflecting on market volatility, he highlighted the resilience of traders in the face of uncertainty, suggesting that market fluctuations would persist amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes. In terms of investor activity on the Namibian Security Exchange, Bazuin emphasized the dual objective of both diversifying and deepening the market. While local companies are encouraged to explore listing opportunities, the exchange aims to attract more Namibian entities to foster market growth and liquidity. By facilitating an easy listing process through partnerships with exchanges like the JSE, the Namibia Securities Exchange aims to attract a broader range of companies to the market. In conclusion, Bazuin's insights shed light on the Namibia Securities Exchange's strategic initiatives to expand its product offerings, enhance market dynamics, and attract a diverse pool of investors and issuers. As the exchange continues to navigate economic uncertainties and regulatory changes, its focus on sustainability, market diversification, and liquidity augmentation remains pivotal for driving growth and resilience in Namibia's financial sector.