Author: Albert Nangara

Albert is an experienced business writer specializing in stock exchanges, financial markets and technology. He has a deep understanding of the dynamics of the global economy and a keen interest in analyzing investment trends, market trends, and the impact of investments on stock prices especially in the Southern African region.

Zimbabwe Sugar Sales Limited (ZSS) is the marketing desk for brown sugar within the Zimbabwe sugar industry. www.theexchange.africa
  • Hippo Valley Estates export sales volumes increased by 27% to 40,246 tonnes.
  • Efforts are underway to expand the regional export market base so as to reduce the market concentration risk
  • Hippo Valley Estates Limited, listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, is a subsidiary of Tongaat Hulett Limited and primarily involved in growing and milling sugar cane in Zimbabwe.

Hippo Valley Estates, a leading sugar producer in Zimbabwe, has reported a 27% increase in sugar export sales volumes for the third quarter ended 31 December 2022 to 40,246 tonnes. The company attributes the jump to improved allocation of the United States Tariff Rates Quota.

“During the period under review, there was an improved allocation of the United States Tariff Rates Quota which contributed to higher average export prices. This export quota remains secure and has been consistently fulfilled,” the company said in a trading update.

According to the company, efforts …

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Pulses for Food Security in Tanzania. www.theexchange.africa
  • Pulses are an important component of the global agrifood system and play a critical role in food security, nutrition, and economic development.
  • Pulses refer to the edible seeds of leguminous plants, including beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas, among others. 
  • In 2021, Tanzania’s exports of pulses were valued at over US$ 269 million, making it the leading pulses exporting country in Africa.

Tanzania is a leading producer of five commercially cultivated pulses: dry beans, chickpeas, pigeon peas, green grams, and cowpeas. These crops are grown in various regions of the country, including Manyara, Kagera, Kigoma, Mbeya, Mtwara, Dodoma, Njombe, Singida, and Mwanza. In addition, smaller quantities of bambara nuts and dry peas are also cultivated in Tanzania.

The country’s production of pulses is noteworthy, with an annual output of around 2 million tons. Dry beans are the largest contributor, accounting for 1.21 million tons, followed by pigeon peas (250,000 tons), chickpeas …

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Ecotourism and Cultural Immersion in Jozani Forest National Park Area, Zanzibar. www.theexchange.africa
  • HotelOnline.co, has joined up with MTI Investment to launch a long-term booking platform for the island.
  • Started with the intention of assisting travel agencies in making more informed booking decisions, the portal now serves as a definitive resource for those seeking out hotels on Zanzibar that are confirmed to employ environmentally responsible waste management systems.
  • Sustainable tourism is beneficial to Zanzibar since it helps the local economy by providing jobs for the population.

A major player in the African online travel agency industry, HotelOnline.co, has joined up with MTI Investment to launch a long-term booking platform for the island. This website, known as Sustainable Zanzibar, is meant to encourage ecotourism by highlighting accommodations that are dedicated to green policies.

By becoming a member of Sustainable Zanzibar, hotels will be able to showcase their commitment to sustainability, receive praise for their efforts, and connect with a wide audience of booking agents …

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Real Estate Investment Trust. www.theexchange.africa
  • Tigere Property Fund, a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), declared its first US dollar dividend, totaling US$152,000.
  • This marks a major milestone for the company, which listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) last year.
  • The global REIT market size is estimated to increase by USD 333.01 billion between 2022 and 2027. The market’s growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period.

Zimbabwe’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market has seen a significant development in recent times, with one REIT making a bold announcement regarding its dividends. Tigere REIT, known for its extensive real estate portfolio, has declared that it will be paying out its dividends in US dollars.

Tigere Property Fund, Zimbabwe’s first real estate investment trust (REIT) declared its maiden dividend of US$ 152 577 in line with its Listing Prospectus. The REIT, which was listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange on November …

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Private sector credit uptake passes N$100 billion mark. www.theexchange.africa
  • The credit growth in Namibia has surpassed the average annual credit growth over the past few years, largely driven by corporate entities.
  • The private sector credit uptake has reached a remarkable N$118 billion in 2022, which reflects a 3.6 per cent average growth compared to the 3.4 per cent predictions.
  • The 4.2 per cent year-on-year credit growth in December 2022, as opposed to the 3.7 per cent growth recorded in November 2022, has been instrumental in this upward trend.

The financial landscape in Namibia has undergone a significant shift as the private sector’s credit uptake surpasses the N$100 billion mark. Analysts at Simonis Storm Securities have reported that credit growth in 2022 exceeded expectations, reaching N$118 billion with an average growth rate of 3.6 per cent, compared to the predicted 3.4 per cent.

December 2022 saw a year-on-year credit growth rate of 4.2 per cent, a significant increase from November’s …

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Ms. Gorata Tlhale Dibotelo, Head of Legal Services & Board Secretary. www.theexchange.africa
  • Letshego Holdings is the number 1 most traded stock on the Botswana Stock Exchange over the past three months.
  • The company has traded a total volume of 27 million shares—in 177 deals—valued at BWP 33.8 million over the period, with an average of 429,146 traded shares per session.
  • Letshego Holding stated its intention to streamline its business operations in Tanzania, and appointed Gorata Tlhale Dibotelo as Head of Group Legal, Governance, and Group Company Secretary.

Letshego Holdings Limited (LHL), an inclusive financial services group with microfinance, banking and consumer lending subsidiaries across 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, has confirmed the appointment of Gorata Tlhale Dibotelo as the new Head of Group Legal, Governance and Group Company Secretary.

The announcement comes on the heels of the Group’s intention to streamline its Tanzania business operations, which was announced on January 27, 2023.

“Letshego Holdings Limited wishes to confirm the appointment of Gorata …

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golden opportunity for coffee in Africa. www.theexchange.africa
  • Coffee from the African continent accounts for around 12% of the world’s production of coffee beans and within this Ethiopia and Uganda combined account for approximately 62% of the total output.
  • By adding value to their product, small-scale coffee producers can increase their profits, improve their competitiveness, and tap into new and emerging markets.

The African continent, replete with diverse topography and meteorological conditions, has for generations been a bastion of agriculture, with the cultivation of crops like coffee being one of the mainstay pursuits of the agrarian population. In recent times, however, there has been a growing consensus among experts in the field of coffee production that Africa has the potential to reap considerable dividends from the addition of value to its coffee beans. This is a topic that has been the subject of much discussion and debate, with many observers grappling with the complex questions surrounding this issue.…

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Zimbabweans to pay tax for operating generators above 5kVA. www.theexchange.africa
  • The use of generators in Africa has become a necessity for businesses as they complement the downtime of electricity for continued productivity.
  • The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has ordered a fine of ZWL$100,000 for operating a generator over 5kVA without a license, in accordance with Section 64 of the Environmental Management Authority Act.
  • The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has enforced the proper usage of generators exceeding 100 kilowatts of installed capacity to enhance public safety.  

Zimbabwe’s energy landscape has been marred with numerous challenges in recent times, which has resulted in a significant proportion of businesses and households having to resort to alternative sources of power. This has been in a bid to mitigate the detrimental effects of power outages and ensure that the wheels of productivity continue to spin.

However, in the midst of this energy deficit, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has instituted a set of regulations …

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Companies delisting from ZSE to list on VFEX. www.theexchange.africa
  • The recent announcement of migration of African Sun Limited to the VFEX highlights the growing trend of local businesses shifting away from the ZSE and towards the more favourable investment environment provided by the VFEX.
  • With its flexible exchange rate controls, lower trading fees, and ability to raise capital in hard currency, the VFEX offers a unique opportunity for businesses to enhance their marketability and market capitalisation.
  • As more companies make the switch, the VFEX is likely to become the preferred choice for local businesses looking to raise capital and grow their operations.

Hospitality Group, African Sun Limited, has recently made the decision to migrate to the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), following a number of local business entities who have also made the switch from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE). This move has sparked discussions regarding the reasons behind the shift and the benefits of listing on the VFEX.…

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Ckay, Fireboy DML, and Amaarae (from left) ILLUSTRATION BY SEAN MCCABE. IMAGES USED WITH ILLUSTRATION, FROM LEFT. www.theexchange.africa
  • Investing in Africa’s music industry offers numerous opportunities for growth and success.
  • Dataxis predicts that Africa’s annual music streaming revenues will grow from US$92.9 million in 2021 to US$314.6 million by 2026.
  • The music industry in Africa faces significant competition from international music markets, particularly from Europe and North America.

The music industry in Africa is a growing and dynamic sector that offers numerous opportunities for investment, growth and success. Despite facing challenges such as intellectual property rights issues, lack of investment and infrastructure, and competition from international music markets, the music industry in Africa is thriving and presents a unique opportunity for investment.

Africa is home to a rich and diverse musical heritage, with music playing an important role in the cultural and social lives of its people. The music industry in Africa encompasses a range of genres including traditional, pop, hip hop, and gospel, and is estimated to …

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