The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) PLC has hosted the inaugural NSE CFO Conference. The conference brought together finance leaders from leading companies in Kenya and the region to deliberate on equity and debt financing opportunities provided by public capital markets to fund the growth and expansion of companies in Kenya and the region.
The NSE CFO conference enlightened finance leaders on favourable funding models that Kenyan companies can adopt to accelerate their growth whilst cushioning themselves from the challenging operating environment.
NSE CONFERENCE ATTRACTED CFOs OF LEADING FIRMS IN KENYA
The conference drew insights on emerging issues such as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)matters that continue to influence investors’ capital allocation decisions and other developments, including Green Bonds, Real Estate Investment Trusts and the Unquoted Securities Platform.
During the conference, Paul Mwai, Vice-Chairman of the Nairobi Bourse said local capital markets offer a suitable alternative source of funds with better pricing and longer maturities, allowing companies to grow with reduced pressure on loan repayments.
He added that successful issues point to renewed confidence by investors and bright prospects for those companies that seek to raise capital in the future.
“They also cement public capital markets position as one of the most efficient platforms for raising long-term capital for businesses,” he added.
Geoffrey Odundo, NSE Chief Executive, said finance leaders have a more critical role to play in preparing for companies’ short-term and long-term financing-related needs to mitigate risks and propel growth”.
Wyckliffe Shamiah, CEO, Capital Markets Authority, lauded the conference noting that it has set the foundation for a close working relationship that will catalyze capital raising initiatives, using public capital markets as the preferable avenue.
Recent issuers, including Acorn Holdings Limited, East African Breweries Limited, Crown Paints PLC, and the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company, commented on the seamless and timely capital raising process they experienced during their respective issuances.
The NSE CFO Conference will be an annual Conference that the NSE will be hosting for finance leaders as it seeks to highlight financing opportunities for companies in Kenya through public capital markets.
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