LuSE flags off 2026 Capital Markets conference preparations

The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) has officially flagged off preparations for the 2026 Zambia Capital Markets Conference and Awards, with stakeholders calling for stronger, deeper and more inclusive capital markets to drive Zambia’s economic transformation by 2030. Speaking…

The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) has officially flagged off preparations for the 2026 Zambia Capital Markets Conference and Awards, with stakeholders calling for stronger, deeper and more inclusive capital markets to drive Zambia’s economic transformation by 2030.

Speaking during the launch in Lusaka today, LuSE Chief Executive Officer, Nicholas Kabaso said the conference which is set for September 30 to October 2, 2026 in Livingstone, will be held under the theme: “Capital Markets 2030: Mobilising Investment for Economic Transformation and Sustainable Growth.”

Mr Kabaso said the conference will bring together policymakers, regulators, issuers, investors, financial institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss measures needed to make Zambia’s capital markets a stronger engine of economic development.

He explained that Zambia needs capital to finance businesses, infrastructure, innovation and sustainable development, while entrepreneurs require access to long-term financing and citizens need opportunities to participate meaningfully in wealth creation.

Speaking at the same event, Assistant Director for Market Development and Projects at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mubanga Kondolo, said Zambia’s capital-market investor base has grown significantly, from slightly more than 50,000 investors in 2020 to over 1.5 million investors currently.

Mr Kondolo said there is, however, a need to broaden participation and increase awareness of investment opportunities to enable more Zambians to make informed investment decisions, adding that SEC is working towards establishing a Capital Markets Institute, which is expected to be launched before the end of 2027.

Mr Kondolo noted that the Institute will target a broad range of professionals and potential investors, including journalists, legal practitioners, auditors, accountants and other people involved in the capital markets.

He explained that the initiative is already under development and is progressing ahead of schedule.

And Capital Markets Association of Zambia (CZAM) President, Elijah Kabaso, has called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the country’s capital markets, saying capital markets are ecosystems in which regulators, exchanges, stockbrokers, government and the media, among others, all have important roles to play.

Mr Kabaso pointed out that collaboration should translate into innovative investment products, improved investor education, greater financial inclusion, stronger professionalism, improved market liquidity and increased access to capital by businesses.

He also urged the media to play a greater role in educating the public and explain capital-market investments, adding that accurate and responsible reporting can help increase investor confidence and encourage entrepreneurs to consider raising capital through the market and promote wider participation.

And Zambia Sugar Trade Execution Specialist, Mwenya Chellah said its listing on LuSE demonstrates the role capital markets can play in democratising ownership and wealth creation.

Ms Chellah said Zambia Sugar market capitalisation of more than US$1 billion reflects the growth of Zambia’s capital market and allows people from different backgrounds to participate in ownership.

Meanwhile, member of the 2026 Capital Markets Awards judging panel, Alexander Jalasi said the judges will conduct an independent, objective and merit-based process to ensure the credibility of the awards.

Mr Jalasi said nominees will be assessed based on their contribution, impact, leadership, innovation, governance, professionalism and their role in strengthening and advancing Zambia’s capital markets.