Economy

Securities and Exchange Commission targets SMEs, green finance to strengthen capital market

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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says it will prioritise expanding stakeholder participation and enhancing service delivery in 2026 as part of efforts to stimulate market activity and strengthen Zambia’s capital market.

SEC Chief Executive Officer, Philip Chitalu, said the Commission would focus on increasing transactions and improving operational systems to boost efficiency and market performance.

Chitalu said key priorities for 2026 included encouraging small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access the Alternative Market of the Lusaka Securities Exchange, promoting corporate bond issuance, expanding green finance instruments, and increasing retail investor participation through digital platforms.

He was speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka on Friday in remarks delivered on his behalf by Director of Market Supervision and Development, Nonde Sichilima.

Read more: Zambia’s capital market up 10%, investor base tops 1.2 million, says Securities and Exchange Commission

“The initiatives were aimed at increasing trading volumes, supporting capital formation, strengthening investor confidence and positioning Zambia’s capital market as a competitive and resilient investment destination,” he said.

Chitalu noted that in 2025, the Commission strengthened its enforcement framework, recording a significant rise in case activity and improved regulatory responsiveness.

The total number of cases handled increased by 63 percent to 31 in 2025, compared to 19 in 2024. Of these, 19 were newly reported cases, while 26 were concluded, leaving five outstanding.

Enforcement measures during the year included censures, fines, market bans, asset forfeitures and supervisory directives.

Administrative fines also rose sharply to K1.0 million from K240, 000 in 2024.

Chitalu said the increase in reported cases reflected enhanced market surveillance, improved public awareness and greater investor vigilance, rather than weaknesses in the market.

He said this demonstrated the Commission’s continued commitment to investor protection and market integrity.

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