LAGOS: The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has made a call to all ICT companies in the country to take advantage of the various opportunities available at the nation's capital market as it will aid their expansion strategies. This statement was made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Exchange, Oscaro Onyema at a Sectorial Dinner with CEOs of companies in the ICT sector. Onyema said that the stock market provides various benefits to corporate entities, such as ICT, in the provision of long-term capital. He encouraged the companies to make use of the opportunities available at the capital market as part of the financing mix for their various businesses. According to the him, “the current statistics show African population at about a billion, which is expected to double by 2050. An estimated 422 million Africans are under 15 years old, representing one of the largest international business opportunities for the ICT sector”. He however noted that as Nigeria's ICT sector grows, he firmly believed that NSE was the right platform to raise capital towards this expansion. The CEO remarked that the Exchange was emerging stronger and more focused. He said despite recent setbacks, they look forward to sustained recovery in the capital market as it continues to be reformed and strengthened. “We want to ensure that all of your companies, listed or prospective, realize the value of listing on The Exchange, and indeed forum such as this is vital in that effort.”
