Stephanie Quarmby will remain Managing Director of The Namibian Oncology Centre (NOC) following its acquisition by Salt Capital and Proparco through its FISEA Fund.
According to Salt Capital, NOC will continue to operate as an independent specialist cancer care provider under its existing management team, with the new shareholders taking a long-term, supportive role focused on strengthening governance, sustainability and healthcare standards, while preserving the Centre’s clinical autonomy and culture of care.
“The Namibian Oncology Centre plays a critical role in the country’s healthcare ecosystem. We are honoured to have been chosen by the founders as the new long-term partners of NOC, and we approach this investment with humility and responsibility. Our focus is on supporting the Centre’s mission, strengthening healthcare standards, and contributing meaningfully to cancer awareness and access to care in Namibia,” said Jan Bosch, Managing Partner of Salt Capital.
The transaction was concluded in partnership with Proparco, a French government-owned development finance institution, through its FISEA Fund, which invests in high-impact private equity funds.
Founded by Namibian clinicians, healthcare professionals and local business people, NOC has played a key role in expanding access to cancer diagnosis, treatment and care in the country.
According to Salt Capital, the NOC founders and exiting shareholders selected the fund as the preferred partner based on shared values, cultural alignment and a common commitment to improving cancer care outcomes.
Salt Capital already has an established footprint in Namibia’s private healthcare sector, with investments including Rhino Park Private Hospital, Welwitschia Hospital and Erongo Radiology.
With the addition of NOC, the firm expands what is now the largest private capital healthcare portfolio in Namibia.
Beyond clinical services, the investment is expected to support efforts to improve cancer awareness, early detection and patient education, while contributing to Namibia’s positioning as a regional healthcare destination.
NOC also maintains partnerships with the public health sector, providing more affordable cancer care and helping to bridge the gap between rural and urban healthcare access.
Tibor Asboth, Head of Private Equity for Africa and the Middle East at Proparco, said the investment aligns with the institution’s strategy to expand access to essential services.
“By supporting The Namibian Oncology Centre, we are contributing to expanding access to high-quality oncology care and strengthening cancer awareness. This project aligns with our 2023–2027 strategy: partnering with local players to deliver concrete impact, particularly by reducing inequalities in access to essential services, while supporting the sustainability and quality of care in developing countries,” he said.
Outgoing Chairman and exiting shareholder Jacques Maree said the transaction ensures continuity of the Centre’s founding principles.
“When the Namibian Oncology Centre was founded, our objective was always to build an institution that serves patients with dignity, compassion, and excellence. In Salt Capital and FISEA, we found a partner that respects those principles and understands the responsibility that comes with investing in healthcare. I am confident NOC is well positioned for the future in the capable hands of Salt Capital and FISEA,” he said.
Quarmby said the partnership will allow the Centre to maintain its core mission while strengthening its long-term sustainability.
“NOC’s clinical team and management look forward to continuing our work with the support of Salt Capital and Proparco. This partnership allows us to remain true to our purpose, while reinforcing governance, long-term sustainability, and our role in advancing cancer awareness and care in Namibia,” she said.
