Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malawi and across the region could unlock new opportunities for growth if more businesses understood how stock markets can provide long-term capital.
The call comes as regional stock exchanges push for stronger cooperation and private sector education to encourage more companies to consider listing and accessing investors beyond traditional bank financing.
Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) Market Development Specialist Kgotla Segwe said many businesses remain unaware of the opportunities available through capital markets, limiting their ability to use stock exchanges as a source of funding for expansion and long-term growth.
“One of the key challenges we continue to face is limited awareness among businesses about the benefits of listing on a stock exchange. We need to intensify education efforts targeting the private sector, especially SMEs, so that they understand how capital markets can support business growth, expansion and long-term sustainability,” said Segwe.
He said stronger links between stock exchanges in the region could also make it easier for companies to raise capital across borders while giving investors access to more opportunities.
“We believe there is enormous potential for collaboration between the Botswana Stock Exchange and the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE). Such partnerships can help stimulate dual listings and create more accessible pathways for companies seeking capital beyond their domestic markets,” he said.
Segwe was speaking during an engagement between BSE officials and a delegation of Malawian business journalists visiting Botswana’s business and financial institutions.
He said closer cooperation between the BSE and MSE could help increase cross-border investment and create new opportunities for businesses seeking to expand beyond their home markets.
The visit has brought together 10 business journalists from different media houses in Malawi for exposure to Botswana’s business environment, financial markets and investment ecosystem.
Capital Radio journalist Jane Kaonga said the experience had given journalists a better understanding of how capital markets can contribute to economic development.
“This visit has given us valuable insights into how the Botswana Stock Exchange operates and the strategies it has employed to attract companies and investors. There are several lessons that Malawi can draw from Botswana’s experience,” said Kaonga.
She said the exposure could also improve the quality of business and financial reporting in Malawi by giving journalists a broader understanding of financial markets.
“I am grateful to NBM plc for creating this opportunity. The exposure has provided us with fresh ideas that could help strengthen reporting on business and financial issues, while also highlighting practices that could be adapted to support the growth of the Malawi Stock Exchange,” she said.
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc sponsored the educational tour as part of its media engagement programme, which seeks to strengthen journalists’ understanding of regional business trends, financial markets, investment opportunities and economic development.
The programme includes engagements with key institutions in Botswana, giving the journalists first-hand exposure to practices that could inform business and financial reporting in Malawi.
