The London Stock Exchange Group publishes an annual ‘Companies to Inspire Africa’ report – a list of leading and high-growth potential private companies in Africa. The report aims to raise awareness among investors on the available investment opportunities in the continent as well as shine light on the most inspirational companies.
The latest report published in January 2019 showed that 66 out of the 360 most inspirational businesses in Africa are based in Kenya. Additionally, Kenya hosts more than a quarter of all the renewable energy companies on the list.
Speaking in Nairobi during the six city Africa roadshow, Co-Head of Emerging Markets at the London Stock Exchange Group, Ibukun Adebayo praised Kenya’s entrepreneurial spirit and technological development.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Kenya Susie Kitchens said, “The report rightly reflects the strength and diversity of the Kenyan companies, highlighting exciting examples from the tech, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, logistics, and financial sectors.”
“Kenya has the most developed impact investing market in East Africa valued at $4.2bn. Almost half of all disbursements in the region come to Kenya. And Kenya is the third largest private equity market in Sub Saharan Africa, after South Africa and Nigeria.” – @SusieKitchens pic.twitter.com/0pJdjq3U9c
— Kenyanwallstreet (@kenyanwalstreet) 22 May 2019
London Stock Exchange Group works closely with the Nairobi Securities Exchange in providing technical assistance as well as a dual listing partner. The UK exchange collaborates with other African exchanges such as the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Casablanca Exchange, and Botswana Stock Exchange.
114 African companies are listed on the LSE, the second largest concentration of African companies in a stock exchange after the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Kenya’s National Oil Company is one of the companies seeking to list on the UK bourse.
In an exclusive interview with Kenyan Wallstreet, Gokul Mani, Middle East, Africa and India Head of Primary Markets for London Stock Exchange emphasized the important role capital markets play in availing development funds to private businesses. The executive revealed that several African companies are preparing to list on the London Exchange in 2019 and 2020. Mr. Gokul said that the companies have impressive valuations, an indication of advanced knowledge in capital markets operations.
