Ninety One Namibia and Sanlam Allianz Namibia have agreed to merge their active asset management businesses.
The proposed transaction, which is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, will see the enlarged business operate under the Ninety One Namibia brand, while Sanlam Allianz Namibia will appoint the combined entity as its primary active asset manager for an initial 15-year period.
The deal is expected to reshape Namibia’s asset management landscape by bringing together two of the country’s established investment managers at a time when policymakers and industry players are seeking to unlock domestic capital for economic growth.
Ninety One Managing Director for Africa, Thabo Khojane, said Namibia’s financial sector has long faced a disconnect between the country’s savings pool and productive investment opportunities.
“Namibia’s investment industry is sophisticated and highly competitive, yet for long has faced a mismatch of capital. While domestic savings exceed the country’s GDP, this capital has often struggled to find its way into local, productive investments,” he said.
Khojane said the proposed combination is intended to help bridge that gap by increasing the capacity to invest in private markets and infrastructure projects.
“By bringing together the complementary strengths of Ninety One Namibia and Sanlam Allianz Namibia, the enlarged business will have the capability to deploy more domestic savings into Namibian opportunities, particularly within private markets and infrastructure, where investment is essential to unlocking growth and job creation,” he said.
Ninety One Namibia Managing Director, Eino Emvula, described the transaction as a strong endorsement of Namibia’s investment industry and long-term growth prospects.
“This proposed combination represents a strong vote of confidence in Namibia’s investment industry. By bringing together two respected businesses with complementary strengths, we are creating a platform that can deliver long-term value to Namibian savers, institutions and policyholders,” he said.
According to Emvula, the enlarged business will combine local market knowledge with global investment expertise, allowing it to better serve clients while contributing to the development of Namibia’s capital markets.
“The enlarged Ninety One Namibia will combine local expertise with global investment capabilities, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of our clients and support the growth of Namibia’s financial markets,” he said.
As part of the agreement, Sanlam Allianz Namibia will also gain access to selected private credit and specialist credit investment strategies, with a primary focus on opportunities within Namibia.
Sanlam Allianz Namibia Group Chief Executive Officer, Tertius Stears, said the partnership would strengthen the group’s position in both local and international markets.
“Sanlam Allianz Namibia is pleased to partner with a like-minded business with a shared Namibia heritage, proven global expertise and a reputable brand. By leveraging our complementary competencies, Sanlam Allianz Investments will be strengthening its Namibian and global position as a multi-skilled asset manager,” he said.
The transaction is subject to approval by the Namibia Competition Commission and the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA), with completion expected in the second half of 2026.
