Business

BSE expects new listings

Eyeing growth: Bolokwe
 
Eyeing growth: Bolokwe

The BSE’s last Initial Public Offer (IPO) was in 2017 whilst the last listing was in 2018, a performance the exchange has been fighting to turn around over the years through various initiatives.

In an update for the year to September 30, BSE officials said tangible progress was being made to attract listings and a few of the companies targeted were still undergoing restructuring, consolidations, and establishment of holding companies that would become listed entities.

Officials said the indicative timeframes for the listings range from “the remaining part of 2024 all the way to early 2026,” whilst the methods being considered include an IPO. An IPO would improve the market immensely as it brings new investors and vibrancy, attracts new capital, and naturally reinforces the value to both investors and issuers of taking part in public markets, officials said.

One of the BSE’s strongest initiatives to attract new listings involves the Tshipidi Mentorship Programme under which the exchange partners with major listed companies to handhold those entities that are considering listing. The 2024 cohort graduated recently with one entity listed on the Serala Over the Counter Board announcing an intention to upgrade to the BSE’s main board.