Ghana launches market to provide short-term financing for businesses
TLDR
- Ghana launches market for trading short-term debt to enhance debt restructuring efforts under IMF program
- Newly introduced commercial paper market allows companies to issue short-term debt, offering investors creditworthy options
- Investors gain access to diverse short-term debt instruments with maturities from 15 to 270 days, promoting portfolio diversification and capital growth
Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) recently launched a market for trading short-term debt, expanding on the fixed-income market established over eight years ago. This development coincides with the country's efforts to restructure debt, aiming for sustainability under an International Monetary Fund program.
The newly introduced market facilitates the buying and selling of commercial paper, offering companies and organizations the opportunity to issue debt within a short timeframe. It also provides investors with access to enhanced creditworthiness, with maturities ranging from 15 days to 270 days.
The launch of the commercial paper market broadens investors' access to short-term debt instruments, enabling portfolio diversification and capital generation through various avenues.
Key Takeaways
For years, domestic investors in Ghana have faced limited options, hampering their ability to diversify investment portfolios and effectively manage risk. However, the introduction of the commercial paper market offers a fresh avenue for investors to deploy funds into short-term debt instruments. This development is particularly attractive to investors seeking relatively low-risk opportunities to generate returns while maintaining liquidity. The formal framework of the CP market establishes clear rules for issuance and trading. According to guidelines, commercial papers must hold an investment-grade rating from a credit rating agency. Issuers with ratings below investment grade must provide acceptable credit enhancement. Additionally, commercial papers can be issued as securitized debt, such as asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities. This structured approach enhances transparency and credibility within the market, fostering investor confidence and facilitating efficient capital allocation.
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