SanlamAllianz turns one

SanlamAllianz has completed its first full year of operations in Namibia, reporting that more than 80% of the public are aware of the brand and that more than 70% of clients are satisfied with its products and services, as the insurer looks to cement its position in one of Africa's newer markets for the pan-continental joint venture.

The first anniversary, marked on 24 June 2026, closes out a twelve-month period that began with an elaborate public launch in Windhoek.

Group chief executive Tertius Stears said the milestone went beyond the commercial metrics.

"In just twelve months, we have achieved meaningful progress. Together, we have grown our client base, strengthened valuable partnerships and enhanced financial solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of our clients. More importantly, we have not only built a brand, we have built confidence, trust and momentum for the future," Stears said.

To mark the occasion, the company conducted a public awareness survey and ran celebrations across its branch network. Walk-in clients received appreciation gifts, while employees were treated to a wellness morning that included a Zumba session.

The deal behind the brand

SanlamAllianz's Namibia operations are an extension of a larger continental restructuring. In September 2023, Sanlam and Allianz formally established SanlamAllianz as a joint venture to create the largest pan-African non-banking financial services entity, operating across 27 countries. Sanlam holds a 60% stake in the venture, with Allianz holding the remaining 40%. The combined group equity value of the joint venture is approximately R35 billion. South Africa is excluded from the agreement.

Sanlam, Africa's largest non-banking financial services provider, and Allianz, one of the world's leading insurers and asset managers, structured the deal with ambitions to rank among the top three players, by both market share and profitability — in every market where the venture operates.

"We are confident that SanlamAllianz will create significant value for clients, shareholders and other stakeholders. The combined expertise and resources of our respective companies will enable us to provide innovative solutions and services to meet the ever-evolving needs of our clients on the African continent," Sanlam group chief executive Paul Hanratty said at the time.

Heinie Werth, the former chief executive of Sanlam Emerging Markets, was appointed chief executive of SanlamAllianz at the group level, tasked with executing the venture's continental strategy.

Namibia's entry

Namibia was not part of the initial 2023 rollout and was included at a later stage. When the rebrand finally arrived in June 2025, it carried the endorsement of the government. Information and communications technology minister Emma Theofelus, who officiated the launch, said the partnership aligned with national priorities around economic inclusion.

"At the heart of our national agenda is a commitment to empowering and uplifting the people, businesses and communities of Namibia. This partnership holds great promise in advancing those goals," Theofelus said.

Finance ministry executive director Michael Humavindu described Sanlam as a name that had been woven into Namibia's economic fabric for close to a century, and said the rebrand held potential to unlock new value for all Namibians.

Stears, addressing the gala dinner, said the partnership would also specifically strengthen services to Namibia's German-speaking community, citing Allianz's German roots as an asset in building that relationship.

Looking ahead

With the first anniversary behind it, SanlamAllianz Namibia has signalled that its focus for the period ahead remains on growing both its life and general insurance books, deepening financial inclusion, supporting small business development and attracting foreign direct investment into the country.

Stears said the combined entity represented more than a name change.

"It represents strength, and global expertise combined with deep local understanding. And it signifies our unwavering commitment to helping individuals, businesses and communities grow, protect what matters and thrive with confidence," he said.