In a recent development, an Ethiopian delegation led by Dr. Brook T., Director General of the Ethiopian Capital Markets Authority, and Dr. Tilahun E. Kassahun, CEO of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange, embarked on a visit to Johannesburg. Their primary agenda: to explore plans for the establishment of a domestic stock exchange in Ethiopia.
During their stay, the delegation engaged in a series of discussions with key stakeholders, including Standard Bank Group specialists, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), and regulatory bodies such as the South African Reserve Bank and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa.
Standard Bank’s Chief Executive, Kenny Fihla, along with Yinka Sanni, Chief Executive for Africa Regions, warmly welcomed the Ethiopian delegation. They reaffirmed Standard Bank’s commitment to fostering the growth and development of capital markets in the region, emphasizing the pivotal role such markets play in driving long-term prosperity and economic growth.
The week-long visit was marked by insightful exchanges and collaborative discussions aimed at laying the groundwork for Ethiopia’s venture into the realm of stock exchanges. The Ethiopian delegation’s engagement with industry experts and regulatory bodies in South Africa underscores the significance of cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing in advancing financial markets across the continent.
As Ethiopia sets its sights on establishing its own stock exchange, this visit to Johannesburg signals a promising step towards realizing its aspirations for economic transformation and market development. With support from regional partners and industry players, Ethiopia is poised to embark on an exciting journey towards deeper capital markets and sustainable growth.