By Standard Bank
Standard Bank Angola (SBA) today commemorated the admission of its shares to trading on the equity market operated by the Angola Debt and Securities Exchange (BODIVA) through the holding of the ‘ring the bell’ ceremony. This milestone enables the free trading of the bank’s shares on a regulated market and concludes its transition into a publicly listed company.
The ceremony was attended by Sim Tshabalala, chief executive officer of Standard Bank Group, reaffirming the strategic importance of Angola to the group and its long-term commitment to supporting the development of the country’s economy and financial sector. The visit also included institutional engagements with various entities and stakeholders, strengthening dialogue on the development of the financial sector, investment mobilisation, and the sustainable growth of the Angolan economy.
“The listing of SBA on the equity market represents an important milestone for both the bank and the development of Angola’s capital markets. Our presence in Angola for more than a decade reflects Standard Bank Group’s long-term commitment to the country and its growth potential. This is also in keeping with the commitment we made in March at our Capital Markets Day to continue to invest in high growth African markets. We do what we say we will do. We will continue to work closely with our clients, partners and stakeholders to support economic development, mobilise investment and create sustainable value for the communities we serve,” said Tshabalala.
With its entry into the equity market, SBA begins a new chapter as a publicly listed company, further strengthening its market visibility, transparency and engagement with a broader base of investors, while maintaining its commitment to contributing to Angola’s growth and development.
According to Luís Teles, chief executive officer of SBA, this moment also marks a new phase in the bank’s relationship with the market and its shareholders. “The ‘ring the bell’ ceremony marks the culmination of a process that brought together multiple teams and partners and now opens a new chapter for SBA. As a listed company, we are reinforcing our accountability to shareholders and the market, while remaining guided by the principles that have defined our journey: resilience, discipline and a strong focus on our clients’ needs. We enter this new phase ready to continue growing and creating sustainable value.”
The ceremony also featured the participation of BODIVA, the institution responsible for managing the stock exchange market, whose remarks highlighted the significance of SBA’s admission for the development and deepening of Angola’s capital markets. “The admission of Standard Bank Angola’s shares to trading on BODIVA’s equity market marks the entry of the seventh company to the exchange, reinforcing BODIVA’s commitment to building an increasingly dynamic and deep capital market capable of meeting the financing and investment needs of the Angolan economy,” said Dr Cristina Lourenço, chief executive officer of BODIVA.