Zim capital markets conference kicks off

THE Zimbabwe Capital Markets Conference has commenced at the London Stock Exchange (LSE) where regulators, local executives, captains of industry and commerce are expected to scout for investment opportunities for the southern African nation.

The LSE, one of the top bourses on the globe with a US$3,6 trillion market capitalisation, provides a big entryway to growth, enabling companies to raise capital and investors to build their portfolios across a range of global markets.

Experts say investors have over the past years expressed keen interest in the capital-intensive mining sector, telecoms, services, energy and infrastructure but concerns over the slow pace of reforms has held some back.

The two-day conference commenced at the LSE and the curtain will close down at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, a conference facility located in London.

Mthuli Ncube, Finance Minister

Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube is today, 20 April, expected to headline the key indaba which seeks to highlight and recognise the important role played by capital markets in economic development and preservation and growth of households’ savings, as well as to focus on opportunities available in different sectors outlining the opportunities for diaspora, international investors, and companies to allocate capital in different asset classes.

The conference serves as an opportunity to inform the diaspora and demystify complexities and myths that surround participating in financial and capital markets and in turn, encourages individuals from all walks of life to invest in the local markets including stock exchanges.

Some of the prominent speakers at the conference include Tom Attenborough, head of international business development – Primary Markets London Stock Exchange Group, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube, Victoria Falls Stock Exchange chief executive Justin Bgoni, Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe boss Anymore Taruvinga.

Global Sovereign Debt and Strategic Asset Allocation managing director Brian Mangwiro, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Financial Markets director Azvinandawa Saburi, Insurance and Pension Funds Commission of Zimbabwe head Grace Muradzikwa, Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency chief executive Tafadzwa Chinhamo and Zimbabwe’s ambassador to the UK Christian Katsande are also among other speakers.

Caledonia Mining Corporation Vice-President (Corporate Development) Maurice Mason, Innscor Finance director Godfrey Gwainda, Seedco International Holdings chief executive Morgan Nzwere, Padenga Holdings Ltd Finance director Oliver Tendai Kamudimu, WestProperty chief executive Ken Sharpe and Tharisa (Karo Mining) Head of Investor Relations and Coms Ilja Graulich will also prominently feature at the conference.

The conference is organised by Financial Markets Indaba, Bard Santner Markets Inc and the government.

Many other companies are also attending and funding the event.