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Symposium
The 17th annual HedgeNews Africa Symposium will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town.
Find full coverage of the 2025 Symposium in our upcoming April print edition – or visit our digital bookshelf.
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DECEMBER 2025: Per Lekander, founder and CEO of the Clean Energy Transition LLP, will be a headline speaker at the 17thannual HedgeNews Africa Symposium, to be held on Tuesday February 24, 2026, at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town.
Lekander will speak on the topic of “State of the Energy Transition and Current Opportunities”.
London-based Clean Energy Transition LLP is an investment management partnership focused on fundamental equity investing, managing both long/short and long-only strategies. It launched in December 2021 when the global energy team spun out of Lansdowne Partners.
Lekander has over 30 years’ experience across the global energy spectrum, launching the Energy Dynamics Fund at Lansdowne in 2015. Before that, he managed a utilities fund at Norges Bank. He was previously head of global utilities research at UBS, winning multiple awards for industry and company analysis.
With a focus on generating consistent, absolute risk-adjusted returns through the use of exceptional investment talent, and by capitalising on the transformational changes occurring in the global energy sector, Lekander will bring meaningful insights for Symposium delegates across a range of areas.
Also confirmed for Symposium 2026 are South African industry leaders Cy Jacobs, CIO and co-founder at 36ONE Asset Management, and Kobus Nel and Andre Malan of the Fairtree Group, who will be joining the programme in two Keynote Conversations.
36ONE and Fairtree are at the 20-year mark as businesses, starting in the hedge fund space and building impressive track records in the asset management industry. As such, their evolution and aspirations will provide valuable perspectives to attendees.
In keeping with its longstanding tradition of delivering cutting-edge content, the Symposium will also host the annual BlackRock Masterclass, as well as a range of dynamic panel discussions, where leading fund managers will address important issues of the day, from the macro and domestic outlook for various hedge fund strategies to broader industry topics, including succession planning, transformation and industry growth.
Symposium talking points include:
- Moving offshore: operational and investment insights
- AI and the asset management industry
- The SA market – what hedge funds bring
- Resources and hedge funds: the SA approach
- Private debt and its role on the alternative asset spectrum
- Different hedge fund strategies and what they offer
- Retail vs institutional investors – are they really different?
- The next generation of SA hedge funds
- Africa – the broader opportunity set
Booking Rates
• Standard booking rate: $600/R9,800
• 15% discount for hedge fund managers and investors $510/R8,330
• 25% discount for HedgeNews Africa subscribers $450/R7,350
Only one discount applies
*ZAR rates are exclusive of VAT
**Applicable to standard booking rate only
Not-for-profit hedge fund investors, pension fund trustees and financial advisers are eligible for discounted rates. Please email events@hedgenewsafrica.com for information.
Download the Symposium booking form here, or alternatively, you can email your booking query to events@hedgenewsafrica.com.
For accommodation at the Vineyard Hotel or alternative options, please click here.
The HedgeNews Africa Symposium 2025 programme is accredited with 6.5 CPD points by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa.
Programme
PROVISIONAL AGENDA Symposium 2026 – Routes to resilience
February 24, 2026
8h00-8h15 Welcome and introduction Gwyneth Roberts, HedgeNews Africa
8h15-9h00 KEYNOTE SESSION: State of the energy transition and current opportunities Per Lekander, Clean Energy Transition
9h00-9h45 PANEL SESSION: Global crosscurrents Geopolitics and divergent growth paths. Panellists survey a rapidly shifting global landscape to pinpoint the risks and opportunities shaping investment decisions in the year ahead.
9h45-10h15 IN CONVERSATION: Building a business – the journey Cy Jacobs, 36ONE Asset Management Asset Management
10h15-11h00 TEA, COFFEE AND REFRESHMENTS
11h00-11h40 PANEL SESSION: Private credit comes to the fore South Africa’s private credit market is emerging as a compelling, investible asset class – checking impact and ESG boxes while producing solid returns. How does the local landscape differ from global trends, and what does the outlook hold?
OR
STREAM SESSION: Blackrock Masterclass: Investing in the golden age of infrastructure. Stuart Wright, Global Infrastructure Partners, a part of BlackRock
11h40-12h20 PANEL SESSION: What’s the catch? Investor demand for alternative assets continues to surge, with global hedge fund assets topping $5 trillion in 2025 and private credit exceeding $2 trillion. Panellists take a clear-eyed look at emerging industry trends and shifting investor behaviours as they chart a path toward sustainable, long-term success.
OR
STREAM SESSION: Unlocking alpha: How next-gen technology elevates investment managers
12h20-13h00 PANEL SESSION: From speculation to strategy The evolving case for crypto in investor portfolios. Panellists discuss how investors are using crypto exposure and what is driving digital asset returns in 2026.
OR
STREAM SESSION: Structuring for success As South African managers broaden their horizons, panellists discuss various offshore solutions guiding the next phase of growth.
13h00-14h00 LUNCH IN EXHIBITION ROOM
14h00-14h30 IN CONVERSATION: Creating a legacy in asset management. Kobus Nel and Andre Malan, Fairtree
14h30-15h50 PANEL SESSIONS: At the coalface I and II South African hedge fund managers unpack how they’re positioning portfolios in today’s fast-moving markets. Panellists discuss the themes driving current allocations, how they’re managing risk in an environment of shifting macro signals, and where they see the most compelling opportunities – and vulnerabilities – over the next 12-18 months.
15h50-16h20 IN CONVERSATION: Some of the world’s biggest institutional allocators, including pension funds and endowments, have significant allocations to hedge funds. What is the institutional appetite in South Africa?
16h20-17h00 PANEL SESSION: Winning the mandate, and meeting investor expectations Panellists examine the allocator playbook, what they need from hedge funds and whether or not they are getting it.
*This programme is provisional and subject to change at the organiser’s discretion.
Speakers
Confirmed 2026 speakers include:
Jean-Pierre Matthews, Matrix Fund Managers
Andre Malan, Fairtree
David Bacher, Corion Capital
Mbali Nzima, Alexforbes
Monene Watson, Personal Trust
Danny Naidoo, ESSTRAX
Sarshnee Pather, Absa
Ryan Wood-Collier, Greenpoint Capital
Diketso Phokungwane, Independent Alternatives
Anthea Gardner, Cartesian Capital
Kasief Isaacs, Creation Capital
Dumisani Ngwenza, Terebinth Capital
David Faulkner, RMB
Lethu Zulu, Sanlam Investments Multi Manager
Michael Murphy, Inverewe Capital
George Herman, Citadel
Marc de Kloe, Theta Capital Management
Kim Gibb, Prescient Fund Services
Jonathan Hertz, SA Alpha
Craig Gradidge, Gradidge Mahura Investments
Bruce Harington, Stenham
David Fraser, Peregrine Capital
Andre Breedt, CFM
Andre Steyn, Steyn Capital Management
Arthur Buchner, AIP Capital Management
Niki Natarajan, In Ink (London)
Matthew Pouncett, Laurium Capital
Neil Wilson, HedgeNews Africa
Elmien Wagenaar, THINK.CAPITAL
Cy Jacobs, 36ONE Asset Management
Per Lekander, Clean Energy Transition
Kobus Nel, Fairtree
Sami Kellali, Maia Technology
Rob Price, Sound Money Capital
Zwelakhe Mngomezulu, Oakhaven Capital
Hannes van den Berg, NinetyOne
Richard Simpson, Obsidian Capital
Robert Enslin, STRATEGIQ Capital
Jacques de Kock, MitonOptimal
Lebo Thubisi, Abax Investments
Rudigor Kleyn, Capitan
Mosa Molebatsi, Mergence Investment Managers
Carole Walsh, Prescient Ireland
Who Attends?
The Symposium attracts the top hedge fund managers, investors and service providers focusing on the African region.
Our programme is created by an editorial team who track the industry year round, giving us the edge in creating a topical and timely agenda that covers the real issues in the market.
We facilitate executive-level discussions with company decision-makers on our impressive speaker list, contributing via panel sessions and keynote speeches.
The one-day forum is held in a closed-door environment with no other media present, allowing participants the freedom to engage in in-depth discussions as well as interactive Q&A sessions.
For a full list of companies that attended the 2023 HedgeNews Africa Symposium, please email events@hedgenewsafrica.com
Sponsors and Exhibits
The HedgeNews Africa Symposium offers an important opportunity for sponsors to showcase their products and services before a high-level audience.
We partner with top-tier industry players who are dedicated to building their brand at the highest levels while interacting with their target audience in a productive and informative environment.
The Symposium offers a premier sponsorship opportunity for:
• Prime brokers
• Investment banks
• Brokerage firms
• Accounting firms
• Lawyers
• Administrators
• Fund companies
If you are looking to enter the exciting African market or if your company offers access to untapped opportunities on the continent or the more developed South African space, you should consider partnering with us.
To discuss partnering with us further or if you would like to receive our marketing pack with more details, please contact Lindsay Mitchell.
Email: lindsay.mitchell@hedgenewsafrica.com
Contact Us
Email: events@hedgenewsafrica.com
FAQ
Q. You have several discounts on offer. Can I have more than one discount applied to my booking?
Only one discount can be applied per booking.
Q. Is the Symposium for one day only?
Yes it is.
Q. Can I share my ticket with a colleague?
If you would like to share your ticket with a colleague you must apply in writing to us via email. A decision will be made at our discretion.
Q. Do I have to fill in a booking form or can I register over the telephone or by email?
We must receive a completed booking form.
Q. Does a ticket to the Symposium include a dinner seat at the HedgeNews Africa Awards Dinner?
No, a ticket to the Symposium does not include attendance at the HedgeNews Africa Awards. These tickets are sold separately.
Q. Is the HedgeNews Africa Awards Dinner always on the same day of the Symposium?
Yes. It is hosted in the evening.
Q. Can I pay for my booking by credit card?
Yes. You can pay by credit card. We will send you an email with the details of how to proceed.
Q. Can I cancel my booking and get a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable and may be transferred only at the organiser’s discretion. Please note a ticket to the Symposium does not include attendance at the HedgeNews Africa Awards.
Q. Can I have a delegate list?
It is our policy not to release delegate lists. However, you can view a list of companies that attended the Symposium last year here.
Q. Can I claim CPD credits for this event?
Yes, you can. The Symposium programme is approved by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI).
Attendee Feedback
“It was a great pleasure to contribute to a wonderful and very informative conference.” – Marc Ostwald, ADM International
“Thank you for a great event. Everything was seamless from the organisation to the execution.” – Fred Kairuz, RMB
“Thank you for hosting such incredible events, both the Symposium and the Awards Dinner. The functions were a resounding success, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. These events offer invaluable opportunities to network with industry peers and gain insights that are greatly beneficial to our work. Your warm hospitality made the experience truly memorable.” – Justin Klassen, Cuthman Capital