Unlocking Growth Capital: A Founder's Guide to the LuSE Alt-M

​Target Audience: Founders and C-level executives of startups and high-growth Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Zambia who are exploring long-term financing options for scale and expansion.

​About the Event: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Zambia's economy, contributing to 70% of GDP growth and representing 97% of all businesses. Despite this, they face a significant funding gap, estimated to be in excess of K30 billion, which stifles their growth potential.

​In 2015, the Lusaka Securities Exchange Alternative Market (LuSE Alt-M) was launched specifically to address this challenge, creating a dedicated platform for SMEs and emerging companies to raise long-term capital. However, to date, no SMEs have listed on the platform.

​Studies and market feedback point to several barriers: a significant lack of awareness, low financial literacy, misconceptions about the costs and complexity of listing, and a fear of losing ownership and control.

​This event aims to bridge that gap. We are hosting a candid, interactive session with Nicholas Kabaso, the CEO of the Lusaka Securities Exchange, at Hive Coworking Space. This is a unique opportunity for founders to move beyond hearsay and get direct, unfiltered insights. We will demystify the LuSE Alt-M, tackle the tough questions, and understand the exchange's perspective on fostering a more accessible capital market for Zambia's most innovative companies.