Malawi Stock Exchange market cap rises to ~$6bn

BREAKING NEWSSeptember 27, 2023 at 12:12 PM UTC

The Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) has seen its capitalization surge to around $6 billion (K6.4 trillion), approximately 35% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Year to date, the market has gained 91.67%.

Market analysts have lauded this growth rate as impressive, highlighting the exponential rise in the valuation of listed companies. Notably, two of the 16 listed entities, Airtel Malawi and FMB Capital Holdings, have achieved market capitalizations of K1 trillion each.

In an interview over the weekend, MSE's Chief Executive Officer, John Kamanga, emphasized the pivotal role of the stock market in the country's economy. “That is why we have always said that the financial market in Malawi is capable of providing the needed capital, especially to State-owned enterprises instead of borrowing from outside and putting pressure on limited foreign exchange,” Kamanga said.

Key Takeaways

Africa is home to a total of 29 stock exchanges with a combined market capitalization of around $1.6 trillion, according to AFSIC, and at least three of its largest five have seen record highs so far this year. As US and European stock markets appear overvalued, global investors are turning their attention to emerging markets for portfolio growth. While Asia and South America often dominate the headlines, we believe that Africa presents the most significant untapped potential.