NSE Launches East Africa's First AI-Focused ETF with Global Tech Giants in Sight

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) is set to launch East Africa's first artificial intelligence-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF), giving investors access to companies driving the global AI revolution. The fund, expected to debut before the end of 2026 subject to regulatory approval, will track companies with direct exposure to AI, including Microsoft and OpenAI.

The NSE wants to create a fund that reflects the underlying portfolio's companies with direct exposure to artificial intelligence, according to Chief Executive Frank Mwiti. This move aims to give African investors access to one of the world's biggest wealth-creation stories instead of watching it unfold from the sidelines.

Artificial intelligence has become one of the strongest forces driving global financial markets over the past two years, with billions of dollars poured into AI-related companies as businesses adopt generative AI technologies and governments compete for leadership in the sector. The rush has fueled record valuations for AI firms, with Anthropic recently reaching a valuation of about $965 billion.