South African investment firm Satrix has expanded into Botswana with the secondary listing of three exchange-traded funds on the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE). Trading commenced on July 9 as part of the company’s expansion beyond its home market.
Three global ETFs now trade in Gaborone
The newly listed funds follow major international indices: the MSCI World Equity, MSCI Emerging Markets, and S&P 500. Each functions as a feeder ETF, directing Botswana capital into existing Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)-listed products.
Satrix oversees 38 ETFs on the JSE, with assets under management exceeding R90 billion. The move marks Satrix’s latest expansion beyond South Africa and gives Botswana-based investors access to global equity markets through locally traded investment vehicles.
Local investors gain direct access to global markets
Botswana-based investors previously faced higher costs and slower settlement when purchasing foreign-listed ETFs. The new products remove those barriers, enabling same-day trading and pricing in local currency.
“By introducing these ETFs to the BSE, we aim to support the growth of capital markets in Botswana,” said Duma Mxenge, Head of Business and Market Development at Satrix. “The dual listing will help integrate the BSE into global financial markets.”
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Kopano Bolokwe, Head of Product Development at the BSE, connected the listings to the exchange’s “10x by 2030” strategy, which seeks a tenfold increase in market activity. He added that the products provide investors with a convenient means of gaining exposure to international markets while supporting portfolio diversification.
This move follows a pattern set by other South African issuers using Botswana as a regional hub.
Regulators and investors welcome the expansion
Catherine Lesetedi, Group CEO of BIHL, described the listings as evidence of Botswana’s market growth. “We are looking forward to seeing the value this will add to the local market, beyond the positive aspect of another bourse listing on Botswana’s Exchange. This is yet another sign to the growth of Botswana’s markets that we all celebrate,” she said.
“Our additional expansion into the African market represents another important milestone for us,” said Helena Conradie, Executive Director of Satrix. “We are pleased to bring this offering to Botswana and know our innovative investment solutions and accessible fees will create new avenues for local investors to diversify their portfolios.”
This expansion aligns with broader trends in modern investment strategies, where accessibility and cost efficiency drive adoption.
