Access to accurate, timely, and actionable market data is critical for making sound investment decisions. Innovations like Data Direct are critical to deepening market participation, improving investor confidence, and aligning the ZSE with global best practices in capital market infrastructure.
The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Limited (ZSE) has launched Data Direct, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled market data platform designed to transform how investors access and engage with financial market information. The platform, announced May 14 in a release by ZSE, is aimed at improving transparency, accessibility, and decision-making for stakeholders across Zimbabwe’s capital markets.
The launch of Data Direct is part of our digital transformation strategy to ensure our stakeholders have easy access to market data, said ZSE in the release.
Data Direct combines cutting-edge AI technology with a user-friendly interface to provide investors with real-time access to comprehensive market data from both the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) and the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX). The platform offers a suite of features, including end-of-day reports, historical data, and viewing rights to live trading via a View-Only Terminal (VOT).
According to the ZSE, the introduction of AI-generated insights on the platform is a game-changer for investors. The advanced AI capabilities enable precise, timely, and actionable market analysis, giving users a competitive edge by going beyond conventional reporting and data interpretation. This empowers traders, analysts, and institutions to make more informed investment decisions based on predictive trends and tailored insights.
Following a successful soft launch in April 2025, which garnered positive feedback from early users, the ZSE refined the platform to enhance its functionality and user experience. The platform is available through a dedicated web portal and is connected to Paynow, allowing for seamless payment and subscription using a variety of channels.
Transparency and timely access to data are crucial for building trust in any financial system. One of the longstanding challenges in African capital markets is the perception of low transparency and limited access to quality data. Tools like Data Direct are vital in reversing that narrative. By providing customizable data, historical records, and live market views, the platform promotes greater accountability, trust, and evidence-based decision-making.
The move aligns with ZSE’s digital transformation strategy to enhance market accessibility and efficiency.
Hikmatu Bilali
