Investec Asset Management today announced a partnership with Jadwa Investment, a leading Shariah-compliant investment provider in Saudi Arabia, which will see Investec managing the Jadwa Africa Equity Freestyle Fund1.
The agreement not only builds on Investec Asset Management’s acknowledged expertise in frontier markets, particularly Africa, but will also give Investec Asset Management access to the Saudi market.
Targeting Saudi investors who are looking to capitalise on the investment prospects offered by the
African continent, the Jadwa Africa Equity Freestyle Fund will offer investors access to the dynamic
opportunities available in South Africa and other major African markets. It is the first Shariahcompliant
Africa fund offered by any institution in the region and will invest in listed companies
spanning the African continent.
Hendrik du Toit, CEO of Investec Asset Management, said:
“This partnership is exciting to us on several levels. Not only is it endorsement of our leadership in
investing in frontier markets, particularly in Africa, but it fits into our broader strategy over the longer
term to introduce more specialist Shariah-compliant products to our clients. Furthermore, this
partnership allows Investec Asset Management to tap into the Saudi investor base.
“We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Jadwa.”
Mr. Fadi Tabbara, Head of Asset Management and CIO of Jadwa Investment, said:
“Africa has experienced tremendous economic and political reform and is now reaping the benefits of
its increasingly positive business environment. We believe it is the opportune time to invest in the
continent.
“We truly believe in specialisation, and that is the reason we have selected Investec Asset
Management, with its established specialist investment expertise in Africa, to sub-manage the Jadwa
Africa Equity Freestyle Fund”.
