IMF Working Papers

Stock Market Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Critical Issues and Challenges

By Charles Komla Adjasi, Charles Amo Yartey

August 1, 2007

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Charles Komla Adjasi, and Charles Amo Yartey. Stock Market Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Critical Issues and Challenges, (USA: International Monetary Fund, 2007) accessed October 9, 2024
Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary

This paper examines the economic importance of stock markets in Africa. It discusses policy options for promoting the development of the stock market in Africa. The results of the paper show that the stock markets have contributed to the financing of the growth of large corporations in certain African countries. An econometric investigation of the impact of stock markets on growth in selected African countries, however, finds inconclusive evidence even though stock market value traded seem to be positively and significantly associated with growth. African stock exchanges now face the challenge of integration and need better technical and institutional development to address the problem of low liquidity. Preconditions for successful regional approaches include the harmonization of legislations such as bankruptcy and accounting laws and a liberalized trade regime. Robust electronic trading systems and central depository systems will be important. Further domestic financial liberalization such as steps to improve the legal and accounting framework, private sector credit evaluation capabilities, and public sector regulatory oversight would also be beneficial.

Subject: Emerging and frontier financial markets, Liquidity, Market capitalization, Stock markets, Stocks

Keywords: Banking sector, Economic growth, External finance, Stock market, WP

Publication Details

  • Pages:

    33

  • Volume:

    ---

  • DOI:

    ---

  • Issue:

    ---

  • Series:

    Working Paper No. 2007/209

  • Stock No:

    WPIEA2007209

  • ISBN:

    9781451867732

  • ISSN:

    1018-5941