$150m conservation bond to boost rhino romances
[PHOTO CREDIT MARTIN HARVEY/WWF] Rhino romances in South Africa’s parks could provide a 9% boost to international bond holders’ returns in a first-of-its-kind conservation bond announced this week (23 March). The World Bank is raising nearly $150 million for environment and conservation activities through the issue of a 5-year Wildlife Conservation Bond issued by its […]
Do Africa’s $372bn pension fund assets facilitate inclusive growth and social stability?
Africa’s $372bn pension fund assets – do they facilitate inclusive growth and social stability? Is the money well invested, including capital markets and equities, private equity and infrastructure development? Bright Africa report by RisCura.
About 4AX – new South African securities exchange
South Africa’s second new exchange, which also got a licence according to the 2 September announcement by the Financial Services Board (FSB), is 4AX, also known as 4 Africa Exchange. It plans to trade securities that are currently traded over-the-counter (OTC) and to go live early in 2017.
JSE switches to T+3 on 11 July
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange is switching to a shorter T+3 settlement cycle for the equity market from 11 July. Currently it works on T+5.
$183bn of M&A in Africa in last 10 years, Britain leads
The total value of mergers and acquisitions deals in Africa by foreign investors was $183 billion over the ten years 2003-2012, up threefold on the previous decade. Britain was the lead investor with with 437 deals worth $30.5bn.
Botswana’s rise as world diamond centre – Stanchart “money laundering” woes slow P1.8bn OPIC financing
De Beers’ Diamond Trading Corporation has moved from London to Botswana and some 32m carats of diamonds (worth US$6 billion – about 40% of world diamond sales) will be aggregated and sold in Botswana. OPIC financing of P1.8bn is being held up by relations with Stanchart.
CoSSE (Committee of SADC Stock Exchanges) launch new website for data and news
The Committee of SADC Stock Exchanges (CoSSE) has launched a website as part of a drive to create more liquidity in the southern African stock exchanges through better data and visibility for the exchanges. The new website (www.cossesadc.org) was launched on 19 April.
South Africa’s Financial Markets Bill open for comment, due 2012
South Africa’s Government has released the Financial Markets Bill for public comment, with comments due by 5 September. The new law would replace the Securities Services Act.
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?
Alternative investor Brait to raise R6 bn and looks to long-term
South Africa’s largest private equity company is transforming itself into a long-term investment holding company and aims to raise ZAR 6 billion ($857.7 million), according to a report on Bloomberg. Brait SA, listed on the JSE Ltd, will use the funds to purchase a long-term stake of 24.6% of Pepkor Ltd, South Africa’s biggest clothes retailer, and 49.9% of Premier Foods.