The Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) and technology company Risk Insights have announced a partnership which would see the bourse integrate Risk Insights' "cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence-powered platforms" – the ESG GPS and A-Cubed, to drive access to sustainable capital.
"This transformative collaboration marks a significant leap in delivering timely, actionable data to all stakeholders," said BSE in a statement. "Together, BSE and RI are set to enhance the ESG disclosure landscape, ensuring that companies, both listed and unlisted, can seamlessly showcase their ESG credentials on a global stage, facilitating informed decision-making for investors, analysts, and the wider public increasing access to sustainable capital."
The ESG GPS platform empowers BSE-listed companies with a holistic suite of ESG ratings, disclosure insights and analytics, news, and strategic business intelligence, while A-Cubed extends its impact to provide data and ratings for privately owned unlisted companies that also impact on the local and global supply chain.
Commenting on the partnership, Thapelo Tsheole, CEO of the BSE, stated that the partnership is in line with the exchange's vision to deliver innovative products and services. "We are honoured to embark on this transformative journey with Risk Insights, to provide access to AI-powered platforms that generate ESG ratings, insights and analytics," Tsheole said. "In this era where there is increased demand for ESG disclosure and ratings and encouragement from the Regulator, this partnership comes in handy."
The BSE has been moving to foster sustainability in its operations. Last month, the bourse listed the inaugural Sustainable Bond amounting to P47.4 Million and listed by Absa Bank Botswana. One of the incentives the exchange offers for listing Sustainable Bonds includes a 25% discount on initial listing fees and annual sustaining fees relative to conventional bonds.