Johannesburg Stock Exchange Eyes 24-Hour Trading to Compete Globally

Africa’s most prominent financial hub, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), is considering a transformative shift to 24-hour trading, signaling an ambitious step toward aligning with international market dynamics. This initiative reflects a growing trend among major exchanges worldwide, where continuous trading has become the new benchmark for enhancing liquidity and access.

Currently running on a traditional daytime schedule, the JSE’s proposed expansion to round-the-clock operations aims to give investors—both local and global—greater flexibility. By accommodating varying time zones and investment strategies, 24-hour trading could significantly boost participation from foreign investors, improve market responsiveness, and increase trading volumes across sectors.

Speaking on the development, JSE CEO Leila Fourie highlighted that the exchange is seriously evaluating the operational and regulatory implications of such a major overhaul. Implementing a continuous trading cycle would require the JSE to modernize its infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity systems, and ensure robust market surveillance protocols are in place to prevent irregularities during non-peak hours.

This potential move also supports broader economic and financial integration efforts on the continent. As Africa continues to push for enhanced intra-Africa trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a more accessible and modernized financial market infrastructure would play a vital supporting role.

While timelines remain uncertain and formal plans are still in the pipeline, the very notion that Africa’s largest stock exchange is exploring such a bold transformation underscores its ambition to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

The JSE’s exploration of 24-hour trading could redefine market participation standards on the continent, attract wider investor interest, and enhance Johannesburg’s position as a global financial center.