Johannesburg, 5 June 2026: The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) today marks 20 years since listing its own shares on the exchange, a landmark moment that reinforced its commitment to transparency, accountability and governance while positioning the organisation for its next phase of growth.

The JSE’s self-listing in 2006 represented a significant milestone in its evolution from a member-owned organisation to a publicly listed company. By subjecting itself to the same regulatory and governance standards expected of every listed company, the JSE strengthened confidence in South Africa’s market infrastructure and aligned itself with leading global exchanges.

Twenty years later, the JSE stands as Africa’s largest and most liquid exchange and ranks among the world’s top 20 exchanges by market capitalisation. The exchange today supports a diverse listings environment comprising more than 263 listed companies and an overall market capitalisation of R24.73 trillion, reinforcing its role as a critical platform for capital formation, investment and economic growth.

The JSE has also strengthened its position as a gateway between South Africa, the continent and global capital markets. The exchange currently hosts 59 inward listings with a combined market capitalisation of approximately R16 trillion, representing around 68% of total market value on the exchange. These companies span Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia, deepening market liquidity, broadening investor choice and strengthening South Africa’s connectivity to global capital flows.

The exchange has continued to diversify and modernise its markets over the past two decades. Today, it operates a multi-asset marketplace spanning equities, bonds, derivatives, commodities and currencies, supporting both capital raising and risk management across the economy. This diversification has enhanced market resilience and ensured relevance across changing economic and investment cycles.

The JSE has also emerged as a leader in sustainable finance, hosting more than 100 sustainability-linked, green, social and transition bonds with cumulative issuance exceeding R79 billion. Through its sustainability segments and product innovation, the exchange continues to support the mobilisation of capital towards long-term environmental and social outcomes.

JSE Limited’s share price has increased more than six-fold since listing, rising from R24.25 in 2006 to R148 at market close on 4 June 2026. During this period, the company has delivered consistent financial performance, with net profit exceeding R1 billion for the first time in 2025.

“The JSE’s listing 20 years ago was more than a corporate milestone; it was a statement of confidence in the principles that underpin strong and trusted markets,” said Valdene Reddy, Group CEO of the JSE. “By holding ourselves to the same standards expected of every listed company, we reinforced the integrity of our market and laid the foundation for sustainable growth. Over the past two decades, we have built a more diversified, resilient and globally connected exchange that continues to play a critical role in mobilising capital, supporting business growth and enabling investment into South Africa.”

Ongoing investment in market infrastructure remains central to the JSE’s strategy. This includes advancements in trading technology, colocation services, cloud capabilities and core systems modernisation, alongside the development of innovative markets such as the JSE Ventures Carbon Market. Together, these initiatives are enhancing efficiency, strengthening competitiveness and ensuring the exchange remains future-ready.

The JSE has also expanded its capital-raising ecosystem through initiatives such as JSE Private Placements and broadened its services offering through JSE Investor Services and JSE SME Rise, creating additional pathways for businesses to access funding and participate in the capital markets.

As the exchange reflects on this milestone, its focus remains firmly on the future. Priorities include expanding access to capital, accelerating innovation, deepening market participation and strengthening South Africa’s position as an attractive destination for local and international investment.

“The next chapter of the JSE’s journey will be shaped by innovation, partnership and execution,” said Reddy. “Our purpose remains clear: to connect capital with opportunity. By continuing to evolve our markets, strengthen our infrastructure and broaden participation, we can help unlock growth, support economic development and ensure South Africa remains competitive in an increasingly dynamic global economy.”

ENDS

ABOUT THE JSE

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has a well-established history of operating as a marketplace for trading financial products. It is a pioneering, globally connected exchange group that enables inclusive economic growth through trusted, world-class, socially responsible products, and services for the investor of the future. It offers secure and efficient primary and secondary capital markets across a diverse range of securities, spanning equities, derivatives, and debt markets. It prides itself on being the market of choice for local and international investors looking to gain exposure to leading capital markets on the African continent. 

The JSE is currently ranked in the Top 20 largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalisation, and is the largest stock exchange in Africa, having been in operation for 139 years. As a leading global exchange, the JSE co-creates unlocks value & makes real connections happen. www.jse.co.za

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