LuSE Records Bullish April as BATZ and Airtel Lead Market Gains
The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) posted strong performance in April 2025, with the LuSE All Share Index closing at 16,649.26 points—a 1.7% monthly gain and a year-to-date rise of 7.8%.
British American Tobacco Zambia (BATZ) led market performance with an impressive 22% gain, closing at K5.00. Airtel Zambia followed closely, continuing its upward trend by closing at K89.50, a 19% monthly increase. However, Zanaco saw a notable dip of 15%, sliding from K6.50 to K5.54, while PUMA also declined 13%, ending the month at K5.00.
The US Dollar Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) recorded a modest gain of US$0.01, closing at US$0.08—a 14% increase. Meanwhile, turnover for April surged to K121.8 million, a 44% jump from March’s K84.6 million, making April the second month this year to surpass the K100 million mark.
Chilanga Cement and Zanaco were the top contributors to this performance, accounting for over 90% of the total turnover. Chilanga posted K88.8 million, while Zanaco added K23.4 million.
Mobile app-based trades marked a milestone, surpassing K1 million in turnover for the first time, reaching K1.7 million on the buy side—a 122% increase from March. This surge is linked to the growing adoption of mobile payments in Zambia’s financial ecosystem.
In the secondary bond market, trading activity reached record highs for 2025. The total face value traded stood at K2.9 billion, with a turnover of K2.7 billion executed across 237 trades—up by 42% and 51% respectively from March figures.
On the REIZ US Dollar REIT, turnover rose over 300% from March to reach US$6,648 from 85,531 units traded in 20 transactions.
LuSE CEO Nicholas Kabaso expressed optimism, saying the outlook remains positive due to a favourable economic environment and ongoing strategic partnerships aimed at boosting liquidity and market inclusiveness.
“As we move further into the year, the Exchange is focused on strengthening investor confidence and expanding digital trading opportunities,” Kabaso said.
