Sanlam, MTN Group’s InsurTech Alliance Kicks Off As Transaction Is Approved

Sanlam and MTN Group have announced a strategic alliance to market and distribute insurance and investment products across Africa. The alliance has reached a significant milestone with the fulfilment of the regulatory, competition and other requirements. The effective date of the transaction is October 31, 2022.

The strategic alliance will be implemented through MTN Group’s InsurTech platform aYo Holdings (aYo), and each partner will hold 50% of aYo.

Through aYo, the alliance will continue to build and develop digital insurance and investment offerings that provide people across Africa with easier access to Sanlam’s products, particularly those who have typically been unable to access traditional distribution channels.

MTN Group President and CEO Mr Ralph Mupita said the alliance was aligned with the Group’s strategic intent to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress: “We are confident that this alliance will build and leverage the strengths and assets of both companies to establish a digital insurance and investment capability across Africa.”

Said Sanlam Group CEO, Mr Paul Hanratty: “We are delighted to reach such a critical stage in our drive to deepen penetration of insurance and investment products across Africa through strategic partnerships. We are confident that a strong foundation is in place for this alliance. Sanlam believes that this strategic alliance with the MTN Group will make a considerable contribution to financial inclusion in Africa.”

By leveraging the MTN brand, Sanlam’s licensing, broad product capabilities, financial services expertise and both groups’ geographical footprint across the continent, the alliance has the potential to pre-empt and adapt to digital disruption in markets where both companies operate.