RH Bophelo CEO: What the RSE listing means for the company

RH Bophelo, a South African healthcare company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, has made a historic move by securing a secondary listing on the Rwanda Stock Exchange. This milestone marks the first time a South African company has been listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange and represents a strategic effort by RH Bophelo to diversify its investor base and expand its operations beyond South Africa. Quinton Zunga, CEO of RH Bophelo, spoke to CNBC Africa about the significance of this listing and the company's plans for investment in East Africa. RH Bophelo's decision to list on the London Stock Exchange earlier was driven by the desire to diversify its investor base and explore opportunities in East Africa. With the establishment of a presence on the Rwanda Stock Exchange, the company aims to raise up to $20 million, with the majority of funds to be deployed in Rwanda and the region. Zunga highlighted that the company's focus on healthcare sets it apart from other listed companies in the region, offering investors a unique opportunity to invest in the healthcare asset class. The listing on the Rwanda Stock Exchange will see approximately 30 million shares issued, with RH Bophelo targeting completion of the process and capital raising by the end of the year. Zunga emphasized that the Rwandan market, with a capitalization of $3.6 billion, presents a viable opportunity for the company to attract investment and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes in the region. One of the key reasons for choosing the Rwanda Stock Exchange was the country's commitment to establishing an international financial hub and creating a conducive environment for investments. Zunga praised Rwanda's regulatory framework and aspirations to become a financial services center in East Africa, making it an attractive choice for RH Bophelo's expansion plans. In addition to the listing, RH Bophelo is actively exploring investment opportunities in East Africa, with a focus on Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya. The company aims to offer affordable healthcare services in these regions, aligning with its mission to provide accessible healthcare to a wider population. With the healthcare sector gaining prominence amid the COVID-19 pandemic, RH Bophelo's listing on the Rwanda Stock Exchange provides investors with a unique opportunity to support and invest in healthcare services. Zunga emphasized the transparency and visibility of investing in a listed healthcare company, positioning RH Bophelo as a standout choice for investors looking to make an impact in the healthcare industry. As RH Bophelo embarks on this new chapter of expansion and investment in East Africa, the company's listing on the Rwanda Stock Exchange signals a strategic move towards diversification and growth. With a clear focus on healthcare and a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in the region, RH Bophelo is poised to make a significant impact on the investment landscape of East Africa.