2006-07-10Staff Report 2 By Francis Tsawayo WINDHOEK The Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) has been operational for more than a decade but indigenous owned companies, though flourishing, are not listed. The NSX has 28 listed companies, with several dual listed on the Johannes-burg Stock Exchange in neigh-bouring South Africa. Though the market has been thriving over the years, other companies have been delisted and others, which include those from the Namibian fishing industries, have had their operations suspended, the NSX Information Officer Loide Nakanduungile informed. On the issue of public awareness, participation and understanding of the market, a lot has been done to overcome this challenge. The NSX has been present at all annual career fairs run in Namibia, for example, the Polytechnic Career Fair, the University of Namibia Career Fair, Coastal Career Exhibition and trade fairs (Ongwediva Trade Fair) in an attempt to reach and inform the general public and the business community, Nakanduungile revealed. The NSX has been running the Namibian Scholar Investment Challenge for over nine years and the Namibian Tertial Investment Challenge last year, all in an attempt to overcome this challenge. The NSX also has been running a website which provides more than sufficient information to the general public, while the NSX's daily, weekly and monthly reports are sent out to any interested general public. To accommodate those without access, the NSX receives numerous group tour visits from different associations and schools, she added. Though the NSX is not involved in any programs with the Ministry of Finance it has a bond website with the Bank of Namibia, NBL, Alexander Forbes and Namdeb. In addition, the NSX is a participant of the National Trade Forum, a member of the Committee of SADC Stock Exchange (COSSE) and the African Stock Exchange Association. With regard to the performance of the 28 non-indigenous listed companies for the period of January 2006 to June 30, the overall trade on the NSX has seen the market capitalization rise from N$835,154 million to N$936,153million. Market capitalization by free float also went up from N$787.229 million to N$893,318 million. As a result the overall index also went from 633 to 689. The overall liquidity ratio (%) to the free float has also risen from 0.456% to 0.777(%). Though half way through the year the figures have shown significant growth, and comparing the figures with those of last year positive prospects have been predicted. 2006-07-10Staff Report 2
