LuSE Gains Momentum as BATZ Leads Price Surge
The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) recorded a strong performance in the week ending 15 August 2025, with the All Share Index (LASI), excluding ZCCM-IH, rising by 2.75% to close at 22,117.05 points. Market turnover also showed significant growth, reaching ZMW 39.32 million (USD 1.69 million) on 3.14 million shares traded, up from ZMW 24.89 million (USD 1.07 million) the previous week. Chilanga Cement accounted for the highest share of turnover, contributing 41.55%.
Among the top price gainers, BATZ emerged as the week’s standout, increasing by ZMW 2.00 (23.53%) to close at ZMW 10.50 (USD 0.45), while ATEL, AECI, ZAMEFA, and CCAF also posted positive gains. On the downside, CHILANGA slipped slightly by ZMW 0.03 (-0.10%), and other notable losers included ZANACO (-0.84%) and Zambeef (-6.32%).
In the foreign exchange market, the Zambian Kwacha weakened against major currencies, depreciating by 1.09% against the British Pound, 0.82% against the South African Rand, 0.45% versus the Euro, and 0.11% against the US Dollar. The USD/ZMW exchange rate closed at 23.26.
Significant corporate updates during the week included the Zambeef BII Preference Shares Redemption, with investors advised to exercise caution following changes in conversion rights. Real Estate Investments Zambia (REIZUSD) issued a cautionary notice regarding the ongoing Lewanika Mall court case, and CCAF AEDC Takeover developments in Nigeria were highlighted, with hearings adjourned to October 2025.
Companies also issued dividend notices and financial results. Zambia Bata Shoe Company PLC announced a final dividend of 15 ngwee (K0.15) per share for FY 2024, payable from 1 September 2025. CEC Renewables reported a 35% increase in revenue to USD 4.657 million for H1 2025, with profit after tax rising 236% to USD 671,000, although net debt grew to USD 58.505 million due to capital investments.
Government securities also saw movement: the 273-Day Treasury Bill yield rose to 13.50%, while the 3-Year bond yield fell to 15.50%. Inflation for July 2025 stood at 13.00%, and the Monetary Policy Rate remained at 14.50%.
Analysts provided stock recommendations, with ZCCM-IH, ZAMEFA, and ZAFFICO receiving Buy ratings, while BATA and NATBREW were recommended for reduction or sale. Overall market sentiment remained cautious, with investors advised to seek professional guidance before trading, given the potential for volatility.
The week’s performance demonstrates LuSE’s resilience, driven by strong trading activity and investor interest, particularly in the manufacturing and banking sectors, signalling a positive trend in Zambia’s equity market.
