BOTSWANA STOCK EXCHANGE AND RISK INSIGHTS UNVEIL AN INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIP FOR ESG EXCELLENCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 10, 2024

Gaborone, Johannesburg

Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE), and Risk Insights (RI), proudly unveil their strategic partnership effective today. The partnership is meticulously designed to push the boundaries of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards in Botswana. Risk Insights, recognized for its pioneering solutions for ESG in Africa, is set to infuse its expertise into the Botswana market, through the BSE, to elevate the country’s commitment to sustainable business practices.

At the core of this collaboration lies the integration of Risk Insights' cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence-powered platforms – the ESG GPS and A-Cubed. The ESG GPS platform empowers BSE-listed companies with a holistic suite of ESG ratings, disclosure insights and analytics, news, and strategic business intelligence, while A-Cubed extends its impact to provide data and ratings for privately owned unlisted companies that also impact on the local and global supply chain. This transformative collaboration marks a significant leap in delivering timely, actionable data to all stakeholders. Together, BSE and RI are set to enhance the ESG disclosure landscape, ensuring that companies, both listed and unlisted, can seamlessly showcase their ESG credentials on a global stage, facilitating informed decision-making for investors, analysts, and the wider public and increasing access to sustainable capital.

Mr. Thapelo Tsheole, Chief Executive Officer of the BSE, Chairman of Committee of SADC Stock Exchanges (COSSE), and President of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) expressed his enthusiasm for this strategic alliance, stating, "We are honored to embark on this transformative journey with Risk Insights, to provide access to AI-powered platforms that generate ESG ratings, insights and analytics. This is in line with our vision to deliver innovative products and services. Henceforth, we are going to work closely with issuers to appreciate and enhance the extent to which their sustainability disclosures meet international disclosure frameworks, including our own, and how their ESG ratings compare with peers locally and across Africa. In this era where there is increased demand for ESG disclosure and ratings, and encouragement from the Regulator, this partnership comes in handy."

Mr. Andrey Bogdanov, Risk Insights Interim Chief Executive Officer, shared his excitement, "Our collaboration with BSE is a testament to the power of shared vision and commitment. Together, we are not just partners; we are catalysts for positive change. We look forward to pushing the boundaries of ESG excellence, setting new benchmarks for sustainable practices in Botswana and beyond."

This transformative partnership between BSE and Risk Insights marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of sustainable practices and ESG excellence. The fusion of BSE's esteemed position and Risk Insights' cutting-edge technology is poised to empower listed companies with tools to improve the ESG stewardship and business transformation. As these two institutions work together, a dynamic synergy unfolds, not just elevating ESG standards but also contributing to the BSE’s global narrative on sustainability. The partnership is a commitment to drive positive change, ensuring a seamless and just green transition for businesses, stakeholders, and the wider community.

About BSE

The Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE), currently the only securities exchange in Botswana, is epicenter of Botswana's capital markets. The BSE plays a crucial role in mobilizing both domestic and international capital, contributing significantly to the nation's and the region’s economic development. The BSE is a Member of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), a Partner Exchange of the Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative, a member of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) for which it holds the Presidency, a member and Secretariat of the Committee of SADC Stock Exchanges (COSSE) for which it holds the Chairmanship, a Recognized Exchange under the UK’s Her Majesty Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and a member of the Association of the National Numbering Agencies (ANNA). The BSE is the sole owner of the Central Securities Depository Company of Botswana Limited (CSDB) which is a member of the World Federation of CSDs (WFC), and a member of the Africa & Middle East Depositories Association (AMEDA). For more information, visit: https://www.bse.co.bw/

About Risk Insights

Risk Insights established in 2009 in South Africa, is the first female-owned data science company specializing in ESG that created the first AI powered ESG rating tools for Africa listed and unlisted companies. These groundbreaking solutions ensure the balanced application of global ESG standards to local realities, providing accurate and relevant assessments of companies listed on major African exchanges. Risk Insights is a member of the World Economic Forum New Champions and had established the World Economic Forum New Champions South Africa Chapter. For more information, visit https://www.riskinsights.co.za