Johannesburg, 17 February 2026: Registrations are now open for the 2026 JSE Investment Challenge, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s flagship youth focused financial literacy programme. The competition teaches high school learners and tertiary students the fundamentals of investing by allowing them to simulate real‑time trading and engage with the stock market in a practical, game‑based format.

In 2025, more than 66,000 participants from across the country took part in the JSE Investment Challenge, showing strong and growing interest in investment education among South Africa’s youth. The challenge is more than just a competition; it is an accessible way to build financial skills. It turns complex market ideas into practical learning and improves financial literacy, encourages strategic decision-making and helps learners and students gain confidence as they learn to manage their finances in a world that values informed choices.

Teams receive a virtual R1 million portfolio to invest in JSE-listed shares, developing essential skills in strategy, decision-making, risk assessment and portfolio management through this unique platform.

"At the JSE, we believe that financial literacy is a vital life skill for young people. It empowers them to make smart choices and confidently manage their finances as they become adults," said Ralph Speirs, Senior CSI Officer at the JSE. "That’s why our competition is more than just a contest. It is an exciting learning platform that helps young people move toward financial independence. By giving young South Africans real investing and market experiences, we help them build a solid foundation. They can then face future financial challenges and take advantage of new opportunities with confidence."

Learners in Grades 8–12 can enter through schools.jse.co.za in teams of four, guided by a supervising teacher. Tertiary students participate by registering on university.jse.co.za in teams of two to four from the same institution, regardless of their field of study. Monthly prizes are awarded throughout the competition, and overall winners share R1 million in investment vouchers. The top tertiary team in the speculator category also earns an international stock exchange trip, with all prizes presented at the awards ceremony in October.

The JSE Investment Challenge team will be on a national university roadshow to raise awareness and drive registrations for this year’s competition. Between February and April, the team will engage students across the country, including visits to Walter Sisulu University, the University of the Western Cape, the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, various campuses of the University of South Africa, Rhodes University, the University of KwaZulu‑Natal (Westville Campus), Durban University of Technology and the University of Zululand, among others. For updates on campus activations and the latest news on the Investment Challenge, follow @jseinvestmentchallenge on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

The 2026 Challenge kicked off on 16 March, with trading running until the competition closes on 15 September 2026.

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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. In 2025, our ETF market continued its year-on-year growth rate of around 29%, growing total market capitalisation by approximately R60 billion. 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 137 years.  As a leading global exchange, the JSE co-creates unlocks value & makes real connections happen. www.jse.co.za  

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