London is stepping up efforts to attract more African companies to its stock exchange, positioning itself as the leading hub for the continent’s initial public offerings (IPOs). Between 2010 and 2020, more than 100 African firms raised $22.9 billion in London. Meanwhile, recent high-profile listings include Guaranty Trust Holding Company and Africa Finance Corporation. The UK’s Department for Business and Trade has been actively courting African firms, especially in tech, clean energy, and AI, by easing listing rules and working with investors to build a pipeline of potential IPOs. While competing with the much larger US markets, London’s established track record with African equities and strong analyst coverage continues to make it an appealing gateway to global capital.
SEMAFOR
