South African insurance giant Sanlam Limited has announced plans to acquire a 60% stake in NMS Insurance Services (NMSIS), the insurance subsidiary of pay TV operator MultiChoice Group, for R1.2 billion.

This strategic acquisition aims to enhance Sanlam’s footprint in the African insurance market and leverage MultiChoice’s extensive subscriber base across the continent.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, both companies revealed that the deal includes a long-term commercial arrangement designed to expand insurance and related financial services to MultiChoice’s diverse audience.

The transaction also features a performance-based cash earn-out potential of up to R1.5 billion, contingent upon the gross written premium generated by NMSIS by the end of 2026.

Paul Hanratty, CEO of Sanlam Group, expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating, “This partnership provides a unique opportunity to combine our market presence and technological capabilities, fostering growth and market penetration while creating synergies beneficial to all stakeholders.”

Calvo Mawela, CEO of MultiChoice, highlighted the strategic significance of the collaboration, noting, “This deal not only enhances the value we provide to our subscribers but also taps into Sanlam’s expertise to drive innovation and growth in our insurance offerings across Africa. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams.”

NMSIS has shown impressive growth, with gross written premiums increasing by 36% year-on-year and profit after tax rising by 51% in the first quarter of 2024.

MultiChoice plans to use the proceeds from the sale for working capital while retaining a 40% interest in NMSIS.

The move comes as MultiChoice faces economic challenges, including a 13% drop in subscribers in key markets such as Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, and Zambia due to economic hardships and currency devaluations.

Despite these setbacks, the partnership with Sanlam is seen as a strategic step to bolster its financial services offerings and stabilize revenue streams.

The announcement also follows recent regulatory developments, with MultiChoice entering a Cooperation Agreement with Groupe Canal+ SA after Canal+ acquired a 45.20% stake in MultiChoice, necessitating a mandatory offer under South African takeover regulations.

As the African insurance market continues to grow, Sanlam’s acquisition of a significant stake in NMSIS positions both companies to capitalize on emerging opportunities, providing innovative insurance solutions to millions of customers across the continent.

Heirs Insurance Group has launched a website designed to revolutionize the insurance experience for its customers.

With a focus on simplicity, accessibility, and personalized service, the new website aims to streamline the process of obtaining insurance coverage and empower customers to make informed decisions about their insurance needs.

The website boasts a range of innovative features that make navigating insurance options easier than ever before.

From simple and intuitive navigation menus to personalized insurance recommendations, the website is designed to guide customers through every step of the insurance process quickly and efficiently.

According to Ifesinachi Okpagu, the Chief Marketing Officer of Heirs Insurance Group, the new website embodies the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

“Today’s customers want simplicity, and this new website delivers on that request,” Okpagu said. “We are empowering customers to take control of their lives, their businesses, assets, and their most cherished people.”

One of the key features of the website is its personalized insurance experience, which takes customers through a short journey to help them identify the best insurance plan for their needs.

Whether customers are looking for coverage for their home, car, business, or loved ones, the website provides tailored recommendations to ensure they find the right insurance solution quickly and easily.

With its user-friendly interface and innovative features, the new website from Heirs Insurance Group sets a new standard for the insurance industry, making it easier than ever for customers to protect what matters most to them.

AIICO Insurance Plc has acquired a five percent shareholding in Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited (InfraCredit).

This strategic investment positions AIICO as the second domestic institutional investor admitted by the infrastructure credit guarantee institution, following Leadway Assurance Plc.

The infusion of capital from AIICO is set to elevate InfraCredit’s paid-in capital base to an impressive $175.14 million (approximately NGN 148.55 billion), translating into an aggregate guarantee issuing capacity of up to NGN 742.77 billion (about USD 875.7 million).

This equity injection will become part of InfraCredit’s core capital, enhancing its guarantee issuing capacity and contributing to the sustenance of its coveted ‘AAA’ credit rating.

InfraCredit, known for deploying innovative credit enhancement solutions, has been pivotal in mobilizing private sector financing for infrastructure projects across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

AIICO’s investment underscores its commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap in the country, marking the evolution of a long-term partnership with InfraCredit.

Babatunde Fajemirokun, the Chief Executive Officer of AIICO Insurance, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting infrastructure development.

He stated, “This investment is the evolution of what we at AIICO Insurance believe will be a long-term partnership with InfraCredit. Over the past two years, AIICO Insurance has invested in InfraCredit guaranteed bonds and participated in novel financing arrangements promoted by the company to bring infrastructure investment to areas that have been significantly underserved.”

The Chairman of the InfraCredit Board of Directors, Sanjeev Gupta, welcomed AIICO as a new shareholder and highlighted the importance of fostering a strong partnership between the public and private sectors.

Gupta said, “AIICO’s investment is in line with our vision of creating a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. This partnership aims to attract private sector capital for infrastructure financing sustainably.”

Chinua Azubike, the CEO of InfraCredit, expressed enthusiasm about AIICO’s admission as the second private domestic institutional investor.

Azubike stated, “The admission of AIICO Insurance, the second private domestic institutional investor in InfraCredit, reinforces the confidence in the sustainability of InfraCredit’s unique business model.”

The AIICO Insurance equity investment is expected to further strengthen InfraCredit’s core capital base, expand its guarantee capacity, and facilitate deeper market penetration.

This collaboration aims to advance sustainable finance for impactful infrastructure projects in Nigeria, aligning with the nation’s broader goals for economic growth and development.