Sanlam: diversified geographical presence

Thanks to its SEM (Sanlam Emerging Market) division, the group has managed to expand its presence on the continent and internationally. It has, therefore, become the leading insurer in Africa with a presence in 32 countries, excluding South Africa.

Until 1991 and the end of apartheid, Sanlam's presence outside South Africa was limited to a few participations in neighboring countries. With the advent of post-apartheid South Africa, Sanlam embarked on an all-out expansion.

Initially, the southern cone of the continent was targeted, followed by the Great Lakes region and East Africa. Consequently, Sanlam is present in Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and Nigeria.

The 2018 acquisition of Moroccan group Saham Finances, which operates in 17 countries, represents the third milestone in Sanlam's African footprint. With the acquisition of Saham, the South African giant has expanded its presence in French-speaking North, West and Central Africa. In addition, the group is consolidating its presence in Angola, where Saham held a good position on the market.

Finally, the takeover of the Moroccan group gives Sanlam a solid foothold in the Middle East with the Lebanese company LIA.

Outside Africa and the Middle East, the group is active in India, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, the United States, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Australia.

In total, Sanlam has a presence (directly and indirectly) in 45 countries.

Main Sanlam Emerging Markets (SEM)’s shareholdings in Africa

Sanlam Emerging Markets’ main shareholdings outside Africa

Subsidiaries owned by Sanlam Pan Africa Assurance (SPA)

These are mainly subsidiaries acquired from Saham Finances in 2018.

⁽¹⁾ Bought in 2005 by the Saham group, CNIA Assurance became CNIA SAADA Assurance in 2009 and then Saham Assurance in 2014. Sanlam entered its capital in 2018 following the buyout of the parent company Saham Finances.

Principales participations détenues par Santam dans des sociétés d’assurance partenaires