Chamwe Kaira
Ninety One has reported an increase in assets under management to about N$4.1 trillion as of 31 March 2026. This is up from N$3.1 trillion a year earlier and N$3.8 trillion at the end of December 2025.
The latest figure includes about N$395 billion from the transfer of Sanlam Investment Management’s active asset management business in South Africa. The transfer was completed on 1 February. Ninety One is expected to publish its full-year results for the period ended 31 March on 3 June.
The transaction forms part of a partnership between Ninety One and Sanlam. The deal was first outlined in November 2024 and March 2025. It includes Ninety One acquiring the full share capital of Sanlam Investment Management and setting up a 15-year active asset management relationship.
As part of the deal, Ninety One issued new shares to Sanlam-linked entities. Sanlam Investment Holdings received 32.83 million ordinary shares in Ninety One plc and 66.59 million shares in Ninety One Limited. Sanlam Life Insurance Limited is set to receive 12.59 million shares in Ninety One plc.
Under the agreement, Sanlam will appoint Ninety One as its main active investment manager for local and global products. This supports a long-term working relationship between the two companies.
Both companies operate in Namibia. Ninety One was founded in South Africa in 1991 and has grown into a global asset manager. It is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Namibian Securities Exchange and A2X Markets. Sanlam operates in 31 countries and offers insurance, investment and wealth management services.
In its 2025 integrated annual report, Ninety One said Africa accounts for 43% of its assets by client group. The region recorded net outflows of about N$6.9 billion during the year, showing lower investor appetite for emerging markets.
The firm reported growth in alternative credit strategies, which attracted net inflows. This points to rising demand for non-traditional financing options.
