Johannesburg, 30 July 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.
Investor orders in one market will be channelled by a domestic stockbroker through the AELP Link 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.
The AELP exchanges are: Casablanca Stock Exchange, The Egyptian Exchange, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Nairobi Securities Exchange, Nigerian 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).
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 positive impact on the overall economy.”
Dr Leila Fourie, Group CEO of the JSE, said “This is an important milestone and we are excited to be participating in an initiative that provides African investors with an opportunity to invest in other African markets, which will lead to the improvement of liquidity in the African markets and contribute to the economic growth of the continent.”
ENDS
About African Securities Exchanges Association: The African Securities Exchanges Association (www.african-exchanges.org) is the Premier Association of securities exchanges in Africa who have come together with the aim of developing Member Exchanges and providing a platform for networking. ASEA was established in 1993 and works closely with its Members to unlock the potential of the African Capital Markets.
About DirectFN: DirectFN (www.directfn.com), is an innovative financial technology provider company, founded on game-changing innovation and passionate about creating new value for the capital market ecosystem. For over 20 years it has consistently specialized in bringing digital maturity with FinTech (software applications platforms) and FinCON (market-information screens) solutions to brokerage houses, banks, clearing members and asset-management companies from Morocco to Indonesia. It has five corporate offices in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan and is expanding in emerging and frontier markets.
About the JSE: The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has a well-established history operating as a marketplace for trading financial products. It is a pioneering, globally connected exchange group that enables inclusive economic growth through trusted, world class, socially responsible products, and services for the investor of the future. It offers secure and efficient primary and secondary capital markets across a diverse range of securities, spanning equities, derivatives, and debt markets. It prides itself as being the market of choice for local and international investors looking to gain exposure to leading capital markets on the African continent. The JSE is currently ranked in the Top 20 largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalisation, and is the largest stock exchange in Africa, having been in operation for over 130 years.
As a leading global exchange, the JSE co-creates, unlocks value & makes real connections happen.
www.jse.co.za
For more information, contact:
JSE general enquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 011 520 7000
JSE media contact:
Paballo Makhetha
Communication Specialist
Tel: 011 520 7331
Mobile: 072 419 4610
Email: [email protected]
For more information on the AELP, contact:
Sheila Abrahams
Senior Consultant: Africa, JSE
[email protected]
Or
Tom Minney, Project Manager, African Exchanges Linkage Project
c/o ASEA Secretariat
www.africanexchangeslink.com
Tel: +44 7768 318738, email,
[email protected]