A stock exchange, typically representing a country’s capital market, provides a market where securities are traded under regulated procedures. It not only channels funds into the economy, but also provides investors with returns on investments in the form of dividends. The exchange fulfills its main function of raising capital for listed companies by re-channeling cash resources into productive economic activity, thus building the economy while enhancing job opportunities and wealth creation.
Stock markets are an important constituent of the world economy. They are the most sought-after platform where millions of investors trade and invest on a daily basis. Stock exchanges are the heart and sole of the stock market. Stock markets are bodies which facilitate the transaction in securities and other financial assets. Stock exchanges can be considered to be the lifeline of the stock market. A company must be listed on the exchange to allow public investors and traders to buy and sell its securities.
Africa is a region of immense economic potential only hindered by unstable political regimes, weak public institutions, and lackluster policy enactments. However, recent years have seen big strides in these areas raising a positive outlook for the continent. The African economy is expected to rebound at an accelerated pace on the back of significant improvements in monetary policies and increased investments in infrastructure. Issuance of sovereign bonds on many international capital markets further attests to the global positive sentiment toward the region.
Here are the top 10 largest stock exchanges in Africa.
Rank | Exchange | Market cap |
1. | Johannesburg Stock Exchange | $1.15 trillion |
2. | Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX) | $138.37 billion |
3. | Casablanca Stock Exchange | $60.86 billion |
4. | Egyptian Exchange | $44.2 billion |
5. | Botswana Stock Exchange | $41.3 billion |
6. | Nigerian Stock Exchange | $32.13 billion |
7. | Nairobi Securities Exchange | $25.79 billion |
8. | Stock Exchange of Mauritius | $20.64 billion |
9. | Zimbabwe Stock Exchange | $19.42 billion |
10. | Ghana Stock Exchange | $12.68 billion |