Latest News

Single-strategy assets under management in the HedgeNews Africa database amounted to $5.5 billion as at the end of 2009, including both African and South African mandates, with 170 funds reporting for the purposes of this survey.

In light of the sweeping changes affecting the hedge fund industry around the world, HedgeNews Africa sits down with Andrew Baker, CEO of the Alternative Investment Management Association, which has taken a leading role in bringing hedge fund perspectives to the attention of regulators and governments globally.

Silk Invest, a leading specialist asset management company focusing on Africa, aims to launch its African Food Fund, also a private-equity vehicle, on June 30, believing it allows investors to benefit from a once-in-a-lifetime long-term opportunity.

Food security is an important theme for investors globally, with well-known hedge fund names such as Passport Capital, Ospraie Management, Armajaro and Sprott Asset Management investing in food production, agricultural commodities and farmland in countries ranging from Australia to Brazil and Canada.

Old Mutual Investment Group (SA) (OMIGSA)'s Multi-Strategy Hedge Fund is well into its fourth year, offering a unique combination of private equity and hedge fund strategies in a portfolio that now offers enhanced monthly liquidity terms.

HedgeNews Africa sits down with James Gilfillan, CIO of Alpha Asset Management, to discuss the industry and the investing environment.

"Back in 2008 when we started our Africa fund, people were looking at the potential of Africa. Now it is very much a reality," says Tutu Agyare, head of Nubuke Investments.

The Blueprint Hedge Fund from Johannesburg-based BEX Asset Management gained a net 1.74% in the first quarter, enjoying its 14th consecutive positive month with a 0.7% return in March.

Cape Town-based Oryx Investment Management, headed by Heiko van Wyngaarden, has had a broadly positive March, with its South African funds returning to the black after a difficult period for the business.

Johannesburg-based Mazi Visio Management Company has expanded its team with the appointment of Asanda Notshe, who takes the role of analyst/portfolio manager. He also increases the team’s risk management capacity.