Kenya's stock exchange plans East Africa's first AI-focused ETF

Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya is developing Africa's initial AI-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF), set to be offered to investors by the year-end, according to the exchange's CEO, Frank Mwiti. Currently, the Nairobi market does not provide exposure to AI stocks, despite attracting substantial foreign equity investors due to its thriving banking sector and telecoms giant Safaricom.

Mwiti expressed the aim of creating an ETF that accurately reflects companies with direct exposure to AI, mentioning Microsoft, Anthropic, and OpenAI as potential references. Kenyan investors can already access AI-related products abroad, but the NSE seeks to facilitate local trading, particularly for the young, investment-savvy demographic.

The AI boom this year has propelled stock markets to record highs, raising concerns about a potential bubble. The Nairobi bourse will carefully monitor the global AI surge before launching the ETF, potentially delaying its launch to avoid an overdone move. The planned AI fund will likely be denominated in Kenyan shillings to mitigate foreign exchange risks.