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Business Reporter
The Securities Commission of Zimbabwe (SecZim) has launched an investor awareness campaign aimed at conscientising the public on the importance of investing in capital markets.

A capital market is part of a financial system concerned with raising capital through dealing in shares, bonds and other long term investments.

Speaking at the launch of the media campaign on Tuesday, SECZIM chief executive Tafadzwa Chinamo said the initiative was borne out of the need to increase awareness of capital markets.

He said the world over, capital markets have potential to drive economies if there is enough participation. Lack of interest from the public in trading in stocks has been a major challenge.

“We want to make it easy for the investing public to access capital markets and we are of the opinion that there is money in the country which can add much value to economic development and the investors themselves.”

Mr Chinamo said the Securities and Exchange Commission recently flighted a circular advising the investing public to claim their share of unclaimed dividends which have risen to about $20 million.

“Those who have not yet claimed their shares are worried that the requirements for one to claim them are too cumbersome,” said Mr Chinamo.

“As the regulator we don’t want such a scenario and through this campaign we will be educating the public to have confidence in capital markets as there is better value,” he said.

Mr Chinamo said the media campaign is expected to go a long way in educating the public, small to medium enterprises, schools and other relevant stakeholders on the need to invest in the capital markets.

The media campaign which is spearheaded by Magna Carta will also include FINSEC, a second securities exchange company in Zimbabwe which operates the country’s first Alternative Trading Platform (ATP), Chengetedzai Depository Company and the ZSE.