From frontier market to institutional asset class: how urbanisation, formalisation and digital inclusion are creating durable investment opportunities across the continent, and why exit pathways may be stronger than investors expect
Sanlam Allianz Investments Limited (SAIL) is strengthening its footprint as a key player in East African asset management, delivering a blend of regional expertise, disciplined investment processes, and a long-term focus on quality equities. Operating in Kenya since 1998, Uganda since 2004, and Tanzania since 2024, SAIL provides both investment advisory and asset management services across the region. A subsidiary of Sanlam Allianz Africa PTY Limited, the firm reported assets under management of US$5.7 billion as of December 2025, spanning institutional pension funds, retail unit trusts, and regional equity offerings.
Africa’s CEOs are entering 2025 with strong confidence in economic recovery, resilience forged through prolonged uncertainty, and a clear focus on protecting their core businesses. According to PwC’s 29th Global CEO Survey, leaders across the continent remain more optimistic than their global peers about economic conditions and near-term revenue growth.
Amazon consistently performs well in the markets. What can institutional investors learn from this? Let’s find out.
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Anyone who has been involved in financing, owning, operating, or working at businesses in Africa has surely seen both the immense potential and profound challenges that lie within the continent.
In the dynamic world of Venture Capital (VC), where investments can shape the future of industries, there's a fast-growing focus on more than just financial returns.
The South African political environment has just experienced a generational shift. The coalition government between the African National Congress (ANC) and its largest critic, the Democratic Alliance (DA), could reset the investment environment. The DA now controls several key cabinet appointments, including agriculture and home affairs. Despite the political complexity, many in the South African investment community feel optimistic about the change.
The total market capitalisation of the entire South African Exchange Traded Product (ETP) industry increased from R165.4bn at the end of 2023, to 178.2bn at the end of the first quarter of 2024, a rise of 7.7%.
Africa Global Funds’ Anna Lyudvig speaks with industry experts about the past year, expectations for the next 12 months and investment opportunities.
The seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”) which have been adopted by all members of the United Nations back in 2015 are considered as a set of rules which guide Private Equity Fund Managers to address social and environmental challenges in countries where they make investments. Generally, Fund Managers have played a vital role in helping emerging markets when it comes to achieving SDGs. For over a decade, several Fund structures along with their related entities which have been domiciled in Mauritius, have been actively involved and participate in the management of their respective portfolio companies. They work towards the implementation of strategies which ultimately bring value addition, growth and acceptable financial performance to those businesses.
In 2022, Mergence Investment Managers acquired a controlling equity stake in a portion of the innovative affordable rental housing group, Live Easy, through the Mergence Infrastructure and Development Equity Fund I.
One of the main features of the African currencies is their dependence on their own idiosyncrasies, according to Matthew Ryan, Head of Market Strategy at Ebury.
Initial Public Offering (IPO), Sale to Strategic Buyers, Secondary Market or Management Buyout (MBO) - each of these strategies has its own advantages and considerations, and PE firms seeking to deliver superior returns must choose the one that aligns best with their investment goals and the specific circumstances of the portfolio company, writes Albert Alsina, Founder and CEO, Mediterrania Capital Partners.
Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund has invested USD 9 million in LOLC Africa, promoting financial inclusion and job creation through the financing of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Africa.
