Online Reporter
Nelson Gahadza
THE Committee of SADC Stock Exchanges (CoSSE) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at creating new opportunities for Southern African capital markets, including Zimbabwe, to access investors in the Middle East.
The agreement, signed in Abu Dhabi on September 9, establishes a framework under which CoSSE member exchanges can explore, assess and potentially connect to the Tabadul Hub, a digital platform operated by ADX to facilitate cross-border trading and expand market access.
Tabadul currently connects 11 exchanges, representing more than 700 listed companies and over 11 million registered investors, with a combined market capitalisation exceeding US$1 trillion.
The platform is designed to facilitate cross-border trading by enabling investors to access securities listed on participating exchanges through their existing brokers, potentially reducing barriers associated with investing across multiple jurisdictions.
Under the agreement, CoSSE will co-ordinate discussions among member exchanges interested in joining the Tabadul network, creating a more structured link between SADC capital markets and investors in the United Arab Emirates.
CoSSE chairperson Mr Collen Tapfumaneyi said the agreement marked a major step towards deeper regional financial integration and improved access to international capital.
“This MoU with ADX marks a significant step forward in CoSSE’s mission to deepen regional financial integration and open new pathways for our member exchanges to connect with global capital markets,” he said.
For Zimbabwe, the development comes as the country seeks to deepen its capital markets, broaden investment opportunities and attract foreign capital through ongoing financial market reforms and the introduction of new investment instruments.
Zimbabwe has two equities exchanges, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) and the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), alongside other segments of the domestic capital market.
The ZSE remains the country’s primary equities market, while the VFEX provides a United States dollar-denominated trading platform designed to facilitate foreign investment and offer greater currency stability.
According to the 2026 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review Statement, both exchanges posted positive performance during the first half of the year, reflecting sustained activity within Zimbabwe’s capital markets.
CoSSE brings together 14 exchanges across Southern Africa, including the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Botswana Stock Exchange and Lusaka Securities Exchange.
According to ADX, the member exchanges collectively represent more than 776 listed companies with a combined market capitalisation of about US$1.3 trillion.
ADX Group chief executive officer Mr Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi said the partnership would strengthen investment connectivity between the two regions while creating new opportunities for investors.
“This partnership will help connect dynamic capital markets, enhance liquidity, and create new opportunities for investors across the UAE and the SADC region,” Mr Alnuaimi said.
