JSE Hosts UK Prime Minister

SouthAfrica.info (Johannesburg)

19 July 2011

The JSE played host to visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron, South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, and a high-level government and business delegation from both countries on Monday.

Cameron, who was on his first working visit to South Africa, and Gordhan were joined by leading entrepreneur Precious Motsepe for discussions on the growing world awareness that “Africa is open for business”.

“Discussions with investors worldwide demonstrate the growing interest in Africa as an investment destination, based on the recognition that the continent’s entrepreneurs are launching and growing prosperous businesses,” says JSE chief executive Russell Loubser.

“Every blue-chip company starts as a good business idea. Support for entrepreneurs is critical to realise desired employment figures and economic growth.”

Nurturing business in Africa

As a stock exchange, the JSE says that its efforts to contribute towards the nurturing of business throughout the continent are focused on initiatives to develop its capital markets.

The exchange’s Africa Board, part of the Main Board in the equities market, enables issuers from the rest of the continent to take advantage of increased profile and capital raising opportunities through a dual listing on the JSE.

A planned Africa hub will allow clients to route orders to African exchanges using a single technological hub operated by the exchange, and strong relationships with some of the continent’s capital markets enable mutual development.

“It is through trade, investment and measures to boost entrepreneurism that Africa will realise its full potential,” says Loubser.

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