THE Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) says it will launch a capital markets association during a conference slated for next month in partnership with the Zimbabwe Independent.
In an interview, Justin Bgoni, chief executive officer (CEO) at the ZSE, said the inaugural capital markets conference, also being held in partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe, seeks to position the country’s capital markets for investment opportunities.
The conference will be held in Nyanga from June 3 to 4.
"One of the key highlights for the ZSE at the conference will be the launch of the Capital Markets Association of Zimbabwe," Bgoni said.
"The aim of the association is to promote the development, integrity, and sustainability of Zimbabwe's capital markets by fostering collaboration, advocating for industry interests, and upholding professional standards to enhance market efficiency and investor confidence."
Bgoni said the launch of the association will usher in growth opportunities for industry development and enhancing market integrity and transparency.
"The conference will bring together all the players in the capital markets to discuss pertinent issues that will grow our sector. The delegates within the capital and financial markets sector that will be present will assist in formulating strategies to deepen our market," the ZSE chief said.
"As the ZSE, this conference is important for us as it is a forum where we get a better understanding from the different market players on the issues that affect them as participants, as well as issues that affect the whole investment climate in Zimbabwe."
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He added that it was the ZSE's hope that the conference would also come out with tangible solutions to any issues tabled at the conference.
Bgoni said the conference is a networking opportunity for the market, also providing opportunities to update delegates on the activities being undertaken by the exchange as well as the projects in the pipeline.
"The conference will also provide an opportunity to share best practice standards. The discussions will also aid in policy influence as we will also have key decision makers from government and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. By convening as market players, we will be able to position the capital markets as the driver for sustainable economic development."
The conference will be held under the theme ‘Fostering Zimbabwean Capital Markets for Sustainable and Responsible Investments’.
Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) group CEO, Kenias Mafukidze told this newspaper two weeks ago that in a rapidly changing and challenging investment landscape, value preservation was a priority.
AMH is the firm that controls the Zimbabwe Independent, along with The Standard, NewsDay and Heart & Soul Broadcasting Services.
“As the Zimbabwe Independent, the host of the inaugural Capital Markets Conference on Sustainable Investment, our primary objective is to foster meaningful discussions and collaborations among investment professionals, investors, and policymakers to advance sustainable investment practices that will advance steps towards Vision 2030. This all must be done under increasing regulatory scrutiny with specific focus on customer protection," he said.
"The conference will discuss, in depth, the likely changes in the capital markets as the world embraces fintech, as well as deal with an evolving shift in the global economic environment over the coming years.
"It seeks to identify key trends which are expected to have profound implications for the capital markets."
Mafukidze added that the conference also aimed to promote awareness, knowledge sharing, and innovation in sustainable finance, with the ultimate goal of creating a more resilient and responsible financial system that generates positive social and environmental impact.
"We are committed to driving positive change and shaping the future of finance towards a more sustainable and inclusive global economy. There is a need for advancing issues around ESG, corporate governance and reporting that meets 21st century global standards. We are excited about the way this conference will push the envelope on investment issues," he said
"Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from experts in the management of various asset classes including fixed income, private equity, public equities (asset managers and brokers) and real estate. Focused meetings at the conference will also provide an unparalleled opportunity to discover and develop a robust network of the highest quality business leaders."
The conference will draw delegates from the REITS association, executives from State Owned Enterprises, stockbrokers, Association of Asset Managers Zimbabwe, Bond Market Association of Zimbabwe, Association of Custodians, listed companies executives and ZAPF — Pension Fund Trustees among others.
