The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) has taken a licking in recent years, but over the long-term it has proven to be one of the best places for Zimbabweans to protect the value of their savings.
But how much money do you need to open an account and get started investing there?
Minimum to Invest on ZSE
The minimum amount required to open a share trading account in Zimbabwe differs from broker to broker. Some require at least $2,000, while others have no set minimum. Invictus Securities is one broker without a mandatory minimum. (If you are aware of others, please let me know here.)
But please note, when you decide to purchase a stock you must purchase at least 100 shares per transaction.
Therefore, the minimum investment amount depends on the current price of whichever stock you intend to buy.
You can find the current price of each stock listed on the ZSE here:
Zimbabwe Stock Exchange – Share Prices
Look at the “Closing Price” column in the Price Sheet to get an idea of the best share price currently available.
Don’t Forget Commissions and Fees
When you buy a stock you will also be charged 1.73% of the total trade value to cover your broker’s commission and various taxes and fees. When you sell a stock the cost adds up to 2.48% of the trade value.
Adding It Up
As I write this, there are several Zimbabwean stocks trading at a price of $0.01 per share.
Therefore, the minimum amount you can invest at today’s price is, in theory, $1.0173.
$0.01 x 100 shares + 1.73% commission and fees = $1.0173
On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll need at least $1831.74 to invest in British American Tobacco – Zimbabwe, which currently trades for $18.00 per share.
$18.00 x 100 shares + 1.73% commission and fees = $1831.74
A Word of Caution
Keep in mind that a low share price doesn’t necessarily mean a stock is a bargain. Nor does a high share price mean that a stock is overvalued.
A stock’s price must be weighed against a number of factors, including (but not limited to) the underlying company’s earnings, dividends, net assets, and potential for growth.
Where to Start?
Investing in stocks doesn’t offer a guaranteed return.
In fact, it can easily leave you with less money than you started with. And, if you’re new to investing, it can take time to familiarize yourself with different approaches to valuation and financial analysis that can improve your odds of netting a positive investment return.
So, just dip your toe in the water first. Invest only a small amount – an amount that you can easily afford to lose.
And invest first in a company that you know well, preferably one whose products or services you use regularly. Then, as your investment knowledge grows, you can invest more with increased confidence.
Your Turn
Do you have questions about investing on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange? Let’s hear them in the comments.
Whats the minimum price if u buying shares at old mutual zimbabwe
At the moment, Old Mutual trades for $4.58 per share. So, the minimum investment is approximately $465.47 ($4.58 * 100 shares + 1.73% brokerage commission). Note, that this assumes you are opening an account with a broker that doesn’t have its own a mandatory minimum (e.g. Invictus Securities).
Which broker is the best to start with in Zimbabwe . Am in South Africa visiting anytime need to know more about Zim stock exchange
Hie ,do these invictus guys have a website or available contact details ?
Hi Dylan,
It appears that their website and phone line is down. Am researching to see whether there is a good, low-minimum, alternative.
you mean $465.47 can eat you 1% or don’t really get shares thing.if you may explain a bit?
Hi Anesu,
The $465.47 would cover the purchase price of 100 shares of Old Mutual and the small brokerage fee.
I live in South Africa and would like to buy shares of Zim companies. How would I go about completing that transaction?
Hi Avi. You can follow the steps outlined in this article:
https://investinginafrica.net/how-to-invest-in-zimbabwean-stocks/
Beware, however, that putting money into Zimbabwe is easy, but taking it back out is difficult at present due to a shortage of foreign currency. It would be wise not to invest money there that you will need within the next five years.
Thanks Ryan for sharing such information. I have just started growing interest in stocks/shares and i’m keen to learn more about all the required skills and knowledge so as to trade with an edge.
That’s great, Alex! You might find Stock School helpful. It’s my new series of lessons for beginner investors.
Is it safe to buy shares in Zimbabwe as a first time buyer and won’t Zim Companies be affected badly by what happens from the political environment. Especially policy. How stable will they be. What happens after the official elections?
How much do I need to invest in Delta Beverages?
As of today, Delta’s price is $1.65 per share. The ZSE requires that you buy at least 100 shares per transaction. So, multiply today’s price by 100 to find the minimum amount before brokerage commission – $165.00.
Then multiply by 1.0173 to get the complete amount including commissions and fees. $165.00 x 1.0173 = $167.85
So there is no other way to invest in the ZSE without a broker?
on every other stock market am sure you can’t buy or sell exclusive of the broker
Hie I really found this helpful but I really want to know how much I would new to buy shares from econet wireless or coca cola
bro Ryan you been very helpful I just saved some links ,I am looking to buy some stocks so I wanna start by a familiarisation phase before I dive in the pond
thanks a lot
I am still new to investing so I need all the help I can get. Please help me
Thank you so much Ryan for such a eye opening explanation.
how can l buy or get register for me to be able to buy stocks ?
Hi Khumbulani,
The first step is to set up a trading account with a registered stockbroker. Here’s an article that walks through the process of opening such an account: https://investinginafrica.net/how-to-invest-in-zimbabwean-stocks/
Hello Ryan
I am interested in Mining ventures in Zimbabwe could you send information on relevant companies please.
Regards and thank you
Kristene Murphy.
Hi Kristene,
I don’t know much about Zimbabwean mining stocks, but here’s a link to companies listed on the Zimbabwean Stock Exchange:
https://www.zse.co.zw/index.php/companies/listed-companies
hi ryan um stuck i need ur help…….i have $1000 and l need to invest in two companies that have a high return um in zimbabwe and l dont have any knowledge about shares….how can u help mi
Hi Gibson,
Thanks for your message. You might be interested in my new course for beginning investors, “Stock School.” It introduces you to the world of investing in shares and will soon include lessons on how to select shares. You can sign up for free at the link below:
https://investinginafrica.net/stock-school/
Hi Ryan
Can one use technical analysis to make a decision to buy or sell stocks listed on the Zimbabwean Stock Exchange
Good question, Itai. It’s not my strong suit, but I suppose one could use certain technical analysis techniques on the ZSE. But I’m guessing that only a few of the listings have sufficient trade volume for this to be useful.
Yes it’s possible to use tec analysis for your entry and exit into any market.There are many technical indicators which you can use from trend following to momentum indicators.l don’t usually look at volume though it can be used in relation with other indicators.But l think b4 you start trading you should have have a trading plan strategy and you should practice your plan on a demo account b4 going for a real account.
How can l sale my shares
Hi Richie,
You can sell your shares through any licensed broker. You can find a list of them here:
https://www.zse.co.zw/index.php/contacts/stock-brokers
Contact one and they will be able to guide you through the process.
besides Invictus are there other brokers where l can open an account with $100
I’m not aware of any, but I’ll be sure to post if I come across one.
thanks mate,this is helpful stuff
Sure thing. Let me know if you have any questions as you get started.
hie i want to learn about all this and engaged please i need your help
Hi Ron,
Here’s an article that may help answer questions about getting started investing in shares in Zimbabwe.
https://investinginafrica.net/how-to-invest-in-zimbabwean-stocks/
If you’re looking for more general investing tips, try:
https://investinginafrica.net/stock-school/
Let me know if you have any questions after reading.
follow that link it has a list of some stoke brokers i think it can be helpful
https://www.africanadvice.com/Stockbrokers/Zimbabwe/
hi Ryan
I have been following your assisting correspondences here and have been trying to call Invictus for days their lines are not being recognized is there any other way you can assist.
Hi Spencer,
Thanks for letting us know. Here’s a list of all the stockbrokers that are currently licensed to trade on the ZSE. I’m not sure what the investment minimum is for all of them, but I’ll try to get a handle on that and post what I learn shortly.
https://zse.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=132&Itemid=245
hi Ryan but the C- Trade app works right even with less than $100 sometimes on ZSE…
hie .can i buy shares and forget about them for atlesast 3 years and still get a profit like putting money in a fixxed bank account
Hi Morris,
Good question. You can buy shares and forget about them (in fact, that is probably one of the best ways to make money in stocks). Many stocks will pay a yearly or biannual dividend, but note that there is no guarantee that they will do so, and there is no guarantee that the value of your shares will increase during the three years.
Good day Ryan, considering the recent developments, has there been any stock that’s showing any signs in terms of dividend growth as well as a good dividend yield that will result in return on equity of around 15-20% that might be sustainable for the next couple of years
very helpful guys
hi thx for this helpful information ..how much is needed to buy a share in Nyaradzo Funeral services?
Hi Aldrine,
As far as I’m aware shares of Nyaradzo Funeral Services aren’t available to buy or sell on the ZSE. Here’s a list of companies that you can buy and sell on the ZSE along with their current prices.
https://www.african-markets.com/en/stock-markets/zse/listed-companies
Note the prices are quotes in US cents.