BSE courts UK, European investors
Botswana Stock Exchange, one of the fastest growth stock exchanges in Africa, this past week collaborated with the Botswana High Commission in the United Kingdom, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), local brokers, local custodians and listed entities to conduct an international roadshow in the United Kingdom.
According to a statement issued late today (Monday), the roadshow, which took placed from the 3rd to the 6th of October 2023, was meant to showcase investment opportunities that the BSE market has to offer to investors and issuers in the UK and the rest of Europe. “The purpose of this roadshow held significant importance as it played a pivotal role in raising awareness about Botswana's capital market investment potential and Botswana’s growing economy among international investors. By showcasing the country's stable political environment, robust regulatory framework, and economic prospects, the BSE was able to stimulate the interest of potential investors seeking diversification opportunities beyond their home markets,” said BSE which boast market capitalisation of about P600 billion.
The roadshow, which is the first of its kind in the UK, provided an excellent platform for Botswana-based companies and issuers to gain access to international capital and funding sources. UK is by no measure as small economy, as it ranks among the tenth largest economies in the world. “By attracting foreign investors, the BSE does not only broaden the investor base but also increases liquidity, which can enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the local capital market. The BSE, additionally, was able to foster valuable relationships and partnerships with international financial institutions, which will lead to knowledge exchange and collaboration in areas such as market development, regulatory practices, and technology adoption. Such engagements are expected to contribute to the overall development of the BSE, making it more attractive to global investors and issuers,” said the bourse, which is seeking to self lists next year.
As the first activity, the BSE held a Breakfast Seminar on 3rd October, with key stakeholders within UK’s financial services sector. The Seminar was composed of presentations, panel discussions and addresses focused on the value proposition of investing in Botswana and her capital markets. Notable speakers included the Acting High Commissioner in the Botswana High Commissioner’s Office in London, Godfrey Engliton, BSE Chairperson, Neo Mooki, CEO Thapelo Tsheole, The World Federation of Exchanges CEO, Nandini Sukumar, First National Bank of Botswana Limited CEO, Steven Bogatsu, Chobe Holdings Limited CEO, John Gibson, Motswedi Securities CEO, Martin Makgatlhe and Stanbic Bank Botswana Limited Head of Investor Services, Vincent Baituti.