Capital Market

AELP Link to Boost Trading Between NGX and Other African Exchanges

Published

3 years ago

July 31, 2021

Cross-border trading from one African securities exchange to another comes a step closer today after the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) signed a contract to procure an order-routing system. Seven of Africa’s leading securities Exchanges are working together in the African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP) to boost pan-African investment flows and bring more liquidity to African markets.

The contract is for the design and rollout of the AELP Link technology platform for routing orders and trade confirmations between stockbrokers on the seven Exchanges participating in the pilot phase of the AELP. The Supplier is DirectFN, a global IT firm experienced in capital markets solutions across the Middle East and many emerging and frontier markets, which was awarded the contract after a competitive bidding process that attracted applications from top international suppliers in 18 countries.

The AELP is a joint initiative by ASEA and the African Development Bank (AfDB) aimed at unlocking Pan-African investment flows, promoting innovations that support diversification for investors, and addressing depth and liquidity in the markets. It is funded by a grant from the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Trust Fund managed by the African Development Bank.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Temi Popoola, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, said: “At NGX, we are optimistic that today’s milestone will further hasten efforts at capital market integration across Africa. The work of the AELP is significant, as it will serve to ultimately boost Pan-African investment flows, promote innovations that support the diversification needs of investors in Africa, and help address the lack of depth and liquidity in Africa’s financial markets. We, therefore, take this opportunity to commend the efforts of ASEA and AfDB, and reiterate our continuing support of the AELP.”

With the AELP Link, investor orders in one market will be channeled by a domestic stockbroker to a stockbroker on the foreign market where the security is listed, to enter into that market for execution in the foreign market. African Listed Securities to be accessed through the AELP Link include all securities that are available for cross-border investors.

Equity investments available include Africa’s most promising and profitable businesses as well as some global leaders among more than 1,050 companies listed. Investors will also buy or sell corporate and government bonds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), and derivatives where these are listed on the participating exchanges and the sponsoring stockbroker provides access.

Commenting, Dr. Felix Edoh Kossi Amenounvé, President of ASEA and CEO of the BRVM, said: “We are excited with this big step towards free movement of investments across Africa and free flow of capital. Our aim is to open new opportunities for individual and institutional investors to invest productively into Africa’s growth story. The Exchanges continue to support African enterprises and governments to raise long-term capital for African jobs, business growth, infrastructure, and development.”

Dr. Walid Al Ballaa, the Managing Director, of DirectFN, said: “With innovative technology and focus to bring digital maturity in building digital relationships through the AELP-Link technology platform establishment, DirectFN feels equally excited to assist practically in realizing the goals across the participating African Exchanges and to enable the African capital market ecosystem digitally to create a positive impact on the overall economy.”

The AELP exchanges are Nigerian Exchange (NGX), Casablanca Stock Exchange, The Egyptian Exchange, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Nairobi Securities Exchange, Stock Exchange of Mauritius and Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (stock exchange for the West African Economic and Monetary Union’s eight West African countries).

Up Next

SEC Holds Second Capital Market Committee Meeting In 2021

Don't Miss

Seplat kicks off Capital Markets Day with NGX Closing Gong Ceremony

Samed Olukoya

Is the CEO and Founder of Investors King Limited. He is a seasoned foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and other prominent platforms. With over two decades of experience in global financial markets, Olukoya is well-recognized in the industry.

Comments

Capital Market

Fixed Income Market Turnover Sees 30.47% Decline Despite Bond Activity

Published

2 months ago

July 19, 2024

Samed Olukoya

In June 2024, the FMDQ Securities Exchange reported a 30.47% decline in the fixed-income market turnover from the previous month.

Despite this downturn, bond trading showed resilience, particularly in the Other Bonds category, which saw a 60.51% increase.

The overall turnover for fixed income products, including FGN Bonds and T-Bills, fell to N7.72 trillion.

This decrease was attributed to lower trading volumes across all major categories, although bond activity remained a bright spot.

Trading intensity for FGN Bonds and T-Bills slightly decreased, reflecting reduced investor activity.

However, T-Bills with maturities between six months and a year, alongside FGN Bonds with terms between five and ten years, were the most traded, accounting for a significant portion of the market turnover.

The sovereign yield curve continued its inversion trend, with real yields staying negative due to inflation outpacing policy interest rates.

The money market also experienced a decline, with turnover dropping by 34.50% to N8.22 trillion. Repos and unsecured transactions were primarily responsible for this decrease.

Conversely, the FX derivatives market saw growth, rising by 43.20% due to increased FX swap activities, despite a downturn in FX forwards.

These fluctuations highlight the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s financial markets, with inflation and currency depreciation posing significant hurdles.

The decline in turnover suggests cautious investor sentiment amidst an uncertain economic landscape.

Despite these challenges, certain segments like bond trading and FX derivatives continue to show potential, offering avenues for strategic investment and market stability.

Capital Market

Nigeria Leads Africa in Private Equity Deals, Records $2.59 Billion in Q1 2024

Published

2 months ago

July 9, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Nigeria has emerged as the epicenter of private equity activity across Africa as $2.59 billion worth of deals were done in the first quarter of 2024.

This surge represents a 321.8% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating Nigeria’s robust potential amidst global economic shifts.

The data, analyzed by DealMakers Africa, a leading authority on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate finance in the continent, revealed Nigeria’s pivotal role in driving regional investment trends.

According to the report, this surge in private equity investments was predominantly fueled by strategic transactions in the energy sector and the burgeoning educational technology (edtech) industry.

Nigeria’s ascendancy in private equity deals marks a reversal from previous trends, where in Q1 2023, other African nations like Zimbabwe had momentarily surpassed it in mergers and acquisitions value.

This year, however, Nigeria not only reclaimed its leading position but also outpaced other significant economies in the region, with Zambia, Morocco, Kenya, and Egypt following with notable but comparatively lower investment figures.

Among the standout deals contributing to Nigeria’s stellar performance, Shell’s $2.4 billion divestment of its onshore oil and gas subsidiary to Renaissance Africa Energy stands as the largest transaction in the quarter.

This landmark deal not only bolstered Nigeria’s overall investment portfolio but also signaled continued interest and confidence from global investors in the country’s energy sector potential.

Commenting on the findings, analysts highlight Nigeria’s strategic advantages, including a sizable market, abundant natural resources, and a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem that continues to attract substantial foreign and domestic capital.

The report also emphasizes West Africa’s prominence in regional investments, with Nigeria at its core, recording a cumulative $2.6 billion in deal value across various sectors.

Capital Market

Stanbic IBTC Holdings to Raise N550bn Through Debt Issuance, Rights Issue

Published

5 months ago

April 25, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Stanbic IBTC Holdings, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, is set to raise a total of N550 billion through a combination of debt issuance and a rights issue.

This ambitious move comes amidst the backdrop of regulatory changes and the need for financial institutions to bolster their capital bases to meet new requirements set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The announcement was made in a notice of the company’s annual general meeting filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

According to the disclosure, Stanbic IBTC Holdings plans to establish a debt issuance program with a capacity of up to N400 billion.

This program will enable the company to issue various forms of debt securities, including senior unsecured or secured, subordinated, convertible, preferred, equity-linked, or other forms of debt obligations.

Also, the board of Stanbic IBTC Holdings is seeking shareholder approval to raise additional equity capital of up to N150 billion through a rights issue or offer for subscription.

Shareholders will also vote on increasing the company’s issued and paid-up share capital to accommodate the proposed capital raise.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings has been a key player in Nigeria’s financial landscape, with a strong track record of performance and a diverse range of financial services.

The proposed capital raise is expected to provide the company with the necessary resources to pursue growth opportunities, enhance its market position, and continue delivering value to shareholders and stakeholders alike.