Kaya 959 Kaya Biz

Optasia officially lists on the JSE.

Loading player...
GUEST: Salvador Anglada – CEO of Optasia

A major milestone for Africa’s fintech story Dubai-based Optasia has officially debuted on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) after a R6.5 billion initial public offering, priced at R19 per share and several times oversubscribed. The listing gives the AI-powered fintech group a market capitalisation of R23.5 billion, marking the largest fintech IPO on the JSE since 2018.

Optasia operates in 38 countries, processing more than 30 million loan transactions daily for over 120 million users many of whom are underserved by traditional financial systems. Partnering with mobile giants like Vodacom and MTN, the company uses advanced AI to extend microcredit and digital financial access through mobile operators and banks.
4 Nov 2025 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Hulamin swings to a loss, plans core refocus

Hulamin slipped into a full-year loss in 2025, as the aluminium producer faced price pressures and operational challenges due to an extended plant shutdown during the period. Hulamin’s CEO Mark Gounder joins us now to unpack the way forward for 2026.
24 Mar 3PM 16 min

New UJ Study Shows SA Can Dramatically Improve STEM Outcomes

A groundbreaking study by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Michigan State University has found that South African schools — including those in disadvantaged communities — can achieve substantially better STEM subject outcomes through a simple, scalable teaching model that blends teacher guidance with computer‑based simulations.
24 Mar 3PM 10 min

South Africa’s Two-Pot System Boosts Consumer Confidence

South Africa’s consumer sentiment edged higher for a second consecutive quarter, with the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index rising from –9 to –7 in the first quarter of 2026. FNB Chief Economist Mamello Matikinca‑Ngwenya joins us to unpack what this means for consumers, retailers, and the broader economy.
24 Mar 3PM 19 min

Sappi Pushes for 5% Tariff to Protect SA’s Last Newsprint Mill

South Africa’s only remaining newsprint producer, Sappi Southern Africa, has formally applied for a 5% customs duty on imported newsprint to protect the domestic industry from what it describes as a flood of low‑priced imports. Joining us for more is Graeme Wild, CEO, Sappi Southern Africa
24 Mar 3PM 14 min
All episodes