Africa’s bourses should work together to channel investors

Africa’s 24 stock markets should learn to work together better if they are to seize high levels of investor interest, said Nicky Newton-King, CEO of South Africa’s JSE Ltd. She told an interviewer that plumbing, – technology and other links between exchanges and clearing and settlement – were more likely routes to more liquidity than trying to create a single exchange.

Nigerian Stock Exchange launches market-making today

Today the Nigerian Stock Exchange is to launch its market-making programme. This will be a hybrid process, with market makers offering 2-way (buy-sell) price quotes in selected securities and a continuation of the current process in which licensed broker/dealers of the NSE submit orders.

African Stock Exchanges Association conference tackles key issues

Developing Africa’s securities exchanges is critical for the continent’s development, with capital markets standing between huge demand for capital for growth and huge demand to invest. The key issues are on the agenda of The 15th Annual African Securities Exchange Association conference (in Marrakesh, Morocco), hosted by Casablanca Stock Exchange, 12-13 December.

Wind of change blows world markets, African stock exchanges unruffled

I have the honour to be published on the opinions section of the Royal African Society website and the article can be seen along with their excellent blogs I also reprint the article, which is meant to spark debate, and I welcome your comments – is it time for change and what is the way forward?

Nigerian bank’s $0.5 bn high yield eurobond

Nigeria’s Guaranty Trust Bank is coming to the market with a $500 million Eurobond, which may roll out into a $2 billion offering. The bank is listed on the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges.

Nigerian SE: CEO Onyema in full charge

The new Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema, had taken up office on 4 April, but the SEC had asked for a one-month transitional period. Interim Administrator Emmanuel Ikhazoboh, appointed in August 2010 by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), bowed out on 28 April.

Nigerian Stock Exchange asks stockbrokers to recapitalize

The Nigerian Stock Exchange is warning stockbrokers that they must meet capital adequacy requirements. Dealing members and stockbroking firms require a capital base of N1.5 billion (US$9.8 million), while issuing houses are required to have N5 bn.

Plans for Nigeria’s $500 mn Eurobond

Citigroup expects to see strong demand for Nigeria’s $500 million debut Eurobond despite volatility in global capital markets. It plans roadshow this week.