Demystifyi‌ng ETF & Indexing‌

4 Part

MASTERCLASS

Starts

30 June 2025

8+

FACULTIES

5+

MODULES

4+

CASE STUDIES

4+

CASE STUDIES

Unlocking ETF & Indexing Edge

Institutional investors globally are adopting indexing strategies and multi-asset products to boost returns, manage risk, and reduce costs. ETFs have become essential tools—offering market access, liquidity, and efficiency. Despite challenges like regulation and FX limits, African pension funds must still deliver long-term growth. Integrating ETFs enables diversification, global exposure, cost control, and access to expert strategies.

Demystifying ETP & Indexing (DETPI) brings together African leaders and global experts to explore best practices, operational realities, and case studies—empowering African asset owners to use ETFs strategically for stronger, more resilient portfolios.

Partners

Themes

Access

Access Global Markets seamlessly, without setting up multiple bilateral relationships or paying premium fees.
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Diversification

Enhance Diversification across geographies, asset classes (equities, bonds, commodities, currencies) and thematic strategies.
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Efficiency

Maintain Cost Efficiency through low total expense ratios (TERs) and tight bid-ask spreads.
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Expertise

Leverage Expertise embedded in index construction, portfolio replication, and liquidity provisioning.
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Master ETF vs. Index Fund Strategy

Gain clarity on when to deploy ETFs instead of traditional index funds to meet specific portfolio goals more efficiently.

Understand ETF Structures & Risks

Break down physically backed vs. synthetic ETFs and learn how structure impacts performance, risk, and regulatory alignment.

Confidently Navigate ETF Markets

Demystify primary and secondary markets, creation/redemption mechanics, and identify arbitrage opportunities to enhance execution.

Cut Costs, Boost Portfolio Efficiency

Analyze the full cost picture—TERs, FX exposure, transaction fees, and taxes—to sharpen cost-efficiency in your fund strategies.

Build Smarter, Diversified Portfolios

Learn how to select and implement ETFs to support core-satellite strategies, access niche markets, and gain alternative exposures.

Enhance Due Diligence & Oversight

Evaluate ETF providers on global capabilities, local market support, and governance frameworks to mitigate operational and reputational risk.

Modules

ETF and Indexing Foundations & Market Context

This session introduces the foundations of ETFs and indexing, explaining what Exchange Traded Funds are and how they have evolved within the broader global ETP market. It explores the rapid growth of ETFs driven by institutional demand and highlights how ETFs have expanded investment choices across asset classes and strategies, positioning them as essential tools for modern portfolio construction.
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ETF Mechanics & Structures

This session unpacks ETF mechanics and structures, exploring their core features—liquidity, transparency, and cost efficiency. It explains the differences between physically replicating and synthetic (derivative-based) ETFs, as well as other exchange-traded products like ETNs, ETCs, and thematic or commodity variants. Regulatory considerations specific to African institutional investors are also addressed to support informed product selection.
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ETF Trading, Costs & Taxation

This session covers the mechanics of ETF trading, costs, and taxation, highlighting the roles of primary and secondary markets, key execution considerations, and pricing mechanisms such as NAV. It breaks down transaction costs—including bid-ask spreads, FX, and broker fees—and addresses the tax treatment of ETFs for African investors, providing clarity on how to trade efficiently and cost-effectively.
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Strategic Use & Due Diligence

This session explores the strategic use of ETFs in institutional portfolios, focusing on how they support asset allocation, core-satellite construction, cash and transition management. It also covers how to evaluate ETFs through due diligence—assessing index suitability, replication methods, tracking performance, cost, and compliance. Finally, it examines provider selection, emphasizing scale, reliability, and local market engagement.
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Implementation Roadmap

This session concludes with a practical ETF implementation roadmap tailored for African institutional investors, summarizing key takeaways across strategy, structure, risk, and cost. It offers actionable steps for integrating ETFs into portfolio construction, from selection to oversight. Final reflections will place ETFs within Africa’s evolving investment landscape, highlighting their growing role in enhancing diversification, efficiency, and global access.
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Audience

Who Will Benefit

This ETF masterclass is tailored for asset owners, managers, and consultants driving Africa’s investment transformation. As capital markets mature and institutional allocations diversify, the programme provides a focused platform to explore ETF strategies for portfolio construction, asset allocation, and risk management. It is especially relevant for pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurers, and endowments seeking cost-effective access to global markets. Participants will gain actionable insights into ETF implementation, risk controls, and due diligence—equipping them to harness indexing innovation and enhance investment outcomes in Africa’s evolving landscape.

Value to Your Portfolio

Unlock practical insights and strategies designed for African institutional investors exploring ETF integration and global diversification.

  • Explore how ETFs are transforming portfolio construction—enhancing resilience, flexibility, and transparency.

  • Discover proven approaches to selecting, executing, and rebalancing ETF strategies across asset classes and geographies.

  • Gain clarity on the real cost of ETF investing—beyond TER—by understanding spreads, FX, brokerage, and custody considerations.

  • Navigate cross-border challenges with expert guidance on regulatory and tax implications for African investors.

  • Learn from African case studies that highlight what works, what to avoid, and how to scale ETF adoption effectively.

  • Connect with top ETF issuers, asset managers, and peer institutions shaping the future of indexed investing in Africa.

Manager Spotlight

Make Your Mark: Be Seen, Be Heard

Please do not hesitate to contact Peace Natachy via email at learn@assetowners.africa to discuss how you can be part of this initiative. We aim to maximise your return on investment by offering in-person, virtual, and on-demand access to our programmes. We strongly encourage you to reach out for further information.

Be Seen & Heard

Escher Luanda

Executive: Governance and Ethics, Government Institutions Pension Fund

Tembe Futhi

Chief Executive Officer, Eswatini National Provident Fund

Cledan Mandri-Perrott

Partner, Head of Strategy & Investments, SFP Infrastructure Partners

Fred Waswa

Chief Executive Officer, Octagon Africa

Stanley Austin

Partner, Africonomie Group

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Industry-Curated Solutions for African Pension funds Challenges

The International Diversification content is co-curated with the industry, ensuring that programming directly addresses the evolving needs and challenges faced by pension funds and other asset owners. By collaborating closely with industry experts, we develop highly relevant and actionable sessions that tackle the most pertinent issues facing Africa’s pension executives. This approach fosters a deeper connection between the event or learning program and its target audience, ultimately driving higher engagement.

Chatham House Rule

Asset Owners programs are closed to media and strictly adhere to the Chatham House Rule. This rule permits attendees to use the information shared during the sessions but prohibits revealing the identity or affiliation of any speaker or participant. To maintain confidentiality and integrity, recording of panels and roundtables is strictly prohibited. When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.

Assets & Strategies

Real Assets: Infrastructure, Commodities

How can pension funds build real asset portfolios, considering the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to infrastructure, natural capital, and commodities portfolio construction? How can they effectively harness the potential of real assets?
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Real Estate

Real estate can provide a reliable source of income and offer significant potential for capital appreciation. However, due to its inherent lack of liquidity, it may not be the best option for pension schemes with shorter- term timeframes, especially in the context of rising interest rates.
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ETF

Why are many institutional managers turning to ETFs now, and how is the ETF industry evolving to meet this demand? Additionally, how can African pension funds leverage ETFs to gain market access and depth of knowledge without incurring excessive costs?
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Equities

How can African pension funds overcome the challenges facing equities markets and find appealing real returns through geographic investment strategies in equities? Where are the opportunities in equity investments - UK, Emerging, Frontier, Small-Cap, Mid-Cap, Global and Non-U.S. Developed?
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Fixed Income

African pension funds can benefit from diversifying their fixed income opportunities such as emerging markets debt, non-U.S. developed market bonds, investment- grade bonds, leveraged finance, and securitized credit?
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Sustainable Investing

Climate change poses risks to the economy, financial markets, and pension fund investments. Given the increasing financial risks and opportunities posed by climate change, how can African pension funds develop a comprehensive framework for assessing and managing climate-related factors across their investment universe?
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Private Credit

Private credit can offer pension funds higher returns compared to traditional investment avenues, providing an opportunity to enhance portfolio performance and meet long-term liabilities.
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Private Equity

Private equity can offer pension funds higher returns compared to traditional investment avenues, providing an opportunity to enhance portfolio performance and meet long-term liabilities.
Read More

Make Your Mark: Be Seen, Be Heard

Please do not hesitate to contact Peace Natachy via email at learn@assetowners.africa or by phone at 447763 566 145 to discuss how can be part of this initiative. Our aim is to maximize your return on investment by offering in-person, virtual, and on-demand access to our programmes. We strongly encourage you to reach out for further information.

Transformative ideas and analysis from top experts from leading minds

Asset Owners programmes feature a distinguished roster of proactitioners and thought leaders. Our expert content team assembles influential panels to delve into critical industry issues, creating dynamic discussions and seeking out solutions that matter to Africa asset owners. A limited number of speaking opportunities are available to sponsors, providing a platform to share their expertise with our discerning audience.
Stanley Austin_Founding Partner

Stanley Austin

Partner, Asset Owners

Ben Gyepi-Garbrah

Ben Gyepi-Garbrah II

Founder and MD, SATIG

Make Your Mark: Be Seen, Be Heard

Please do not hesitate to contact Peace Natachy via email at learn@assetowners.africa or by phone at 447763 566 145 to discuss how can be part of this initiative. Our aim is to maximize your return on investment by offering in-person, virtual, and on-demand access to our programmes. We strongly encourage you to reach out for further information.

Networking for fostering strategic partnerships and alliances.

International Diversification for Pension Funds is dedicated to cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships and alliances that are essential for optimizing portfolio performance. By mitigating risks and maximizing returns, pension funds can achieve their long-term financial objectives and commitment to savers. To facilitate this, we have carefully designed a series of exclusive platforms where industry leaders, executives, and key stakeholders can engage in meaningful dialogue, explore collaborative opportunities, and forge lasting relationships.

Participating Firms

Deliver on what matters

ASFI Brand Spotlight

Brand Awareness

Promote your business as a reliable and esteemed participant in the African sustainable finance community by displaying your brand at the most well-known, trusted, and distinct gathering of sustainable finance leaders.
ASFI Thought Leadership

Thought Leadership

The ASFI platform offers cutting-edge tools for ministers, C-level and board executives to establish themselves and their organizations as trusted authorities and experts in the fast-paced world of sustainable finance.
ASFI Sealing Deals

Sealing Deals

The Sealing the Deal sessions at ASFI aim to improve the transaction experience for the investor and investee. It is exclusive, with a curated audience, to showcase your project, enterprise, or fund to your desired audience.
ASFI Networking

Networking

The ASFI platform offers cutting-edge tools for policymakers, C-level and boardroom executives to establish themselves and their organizations as trusted authorities and experts in the fast-paced world of sustainable finance.

Make Your Mark: Be Seen, Be Heard

Please do not hesitate to contact Peace Natachy via email at learn@assetowners.africa or by phone at 447763 566 145 to discuss how can be part of this initiative. Our aim is to maximize your return on investment by offering in-person, virtual, and on-demand access to our programmes. We strongly encourage you to reach out for further information.

How you can get involved

ASFI Presentations

PRESENT

ASFI Workshops

WORKSHOPS

ASFI VIDEOS

VIDEOS

ASFI IDEATION

Networking

ASFI Panels

PANELS

ASFI DINNERS

DINNERS

ASFI RECEPTIONS

RECEPTIONS

ASFI SOUNDS

PODCASTS

Investable Industries

Digital Infrastructure

POLICYMAKERS

FINANCE

FINANCE

ENERGY

ENERGY

TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY

AVIATION

AVIATION

HEALTH

HEALTH

AGRICULTURE

AGRICULTURE

MANUFACTURING

MANUFACTURING

RETAIL

RETAIL

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOMOTIVE

FOOD

FOOD

LOGISTICS

LOGISTICS

Who should attend?

This program is specifically designed for board members, investment committees, and C-level pension fund executives who oversee investment, asset allocation, and risk management. Additionally, the program is highly relevant for sovereign wealth funds and long-term insurers seeking to explore international diversification strategies. Participants are expected to have a minimum of five years of professional experience, ensuring a high level of expertise and engagement throughout the program.

Showcasing top-tier asset managers with experience in managing African assets.

Our process of narrowing down asset managers pool that participating pension funds can select from is led by a diverse team of professionals and consultants with extensive knowledge and expertise in financial markets, as well as specific investment categories, sectors, and regions. Rooted in the ‘African Context,’ our selection philosophy prioritizes diversification by combining asset managers with various investment styles, expertise, and capabilities.

The process begins with a comprehensive understanding of the total universe of asset managers and their capabilities. We then use specific criteria to narrow down the list to potential external asset managers.

We build strategic alliances with businesses, funds, and asset owners.

We specialize in building long-term relationships and developing ecosystems that facilitate capital flow. Our work involves close collaboration with startups, growth enterprises, funds, and investors, ensuring mutual success and sustainable growth.
Africonomie

Africonomie

Africonomie is a top-tier Africa-focused investment communication and support business. We build investment bridges and address the key issues facing institutions with the appetite to allocate capital to traditional and alternative asset classes across Africa. We support institutional investors with capacity and capability programmes designed to help them allocate capital to alternative assets or form co-investment partnerships. Our clients benefit from our network to access and diversify their institutional investor base.  Beyond fundraising, we support fund managers with access to deal pipelines that meet their investment criteria.

Featured Managers

In partnership with organizations dedicated to building secure retirements for future generations.

Asset Owners is a partnership dedicated to Fostering long-term savings and assured retirement for the future of Africans. We are committed to developing comprehensive financial and innovative solutions that ensure stability and peace of mind for retirees. Our collaborative efforts focus on creating a robust supporting framework for asset owners, providing educational resources, and advocating for policies that protect and enhance retirement security. Together, we aim to support individuals in achieving their financial goals, fostering a sense of confidence and well-being as they approach and enjoy their retirement years.

Speak to us about corporate partnerships

Please do not hesitate to contact Peace Natachy via email at learn@assetowners.africa or by phone at 447763 566 145 to discuss how can be part of this initiative. Our aim is to maximize your return on investment by offering in-person, virtual, and on-demand access to our programmes. We strongly encourage you to reach out for further information.
Africonomie

Africonomie

Africonomie is a top-tier Africa-focused investment communication and support business. We build investment bridges and address the key issues facing institutions with the appetite to allocate capital to traditional and alternative asset classes across Africa. We support institutional investors with capacity and capability programmes designed to help them allocate capital to alternative assets or form co-investment partnerships. Our clients benefit from our network to access and diversify their institutional investor base.  Beyond fundraising, we support fund managers with access to deal pipelines that meet their investment criteria.

Featured Managers

A resource hub designed to assist our guests in seamlessly managing their logistics.

We are dedicated to assisting business executives in their pursuit of international learning opportunities. Our support includes providing information on visa requirements, advising on necessary documentation, and offering general guidance. However, please note that preparing and submitting the visa application is your responsibility. We cannot influence the outcome, as the decision rests with the respective embassy or consulate. While we provide support, we are not liable for the results of your visa application. Your diligence in completing and submitting the application accurately and on time is crucial. We wish you success in your visa application and your international course. For further assistance, feel free to contact us.
Asset Owners_Partner Airlines

Partner Airlines

Partnering with airlines gives our guests access to numerous benefits, including discounted airfares, enhanced convenience with flexible booking options, and loyalty program perks like bonus miles and status upgrades. Attendees can enjoy a better travel experience with access to lounges, increased baggage allowance, and dedicated customer service.

Airport Transfers

Heathrow is incredibly well-connected, with great transport links to London and the rest of the UK and travel options to suit every need and budget. See options avaliable here.

The Gatwick Express runs non-stop between London Gatwick Airport and London Victoria Station. The airport express train is renowned for both the short travel time and the frequency of departures. The train departs every 15 minutes and uses only 30 minutes each way.

Accomodations

AssetOwners_The Westminster By Hilton

The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton

Located in the heart of London, with iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben just moments away, immerse yourself in the rich history and character of the city with the Curio Collection by Hilton. Enjoy seamless convenience with digital check-in and digital keys, plus exclusive perks for members. With flexible cancellation options, your stay is tailored to your needs—because where you stay matters.
AssetOwners_The Park Plaza Westminster Hotel, Bridge London

The Park Plaza Westminster Hotel, Bridge London

Conveniently situated on the South Bank of the Thames and overlooking the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London is an iconic hotel featuring contemporary design, stylish rooms, and an array of restaurants and bars. After a day of exploring the local area, including the London Eye and Westminster, unwind with a massage at Mandara Spa and a dip in our 15-metre swimming pool.

Delivering Sustainable Programmes

We are committed to hosting environmentally conscious and socially responsible programmes. We are leading the continent in sustainable event management by selecting sustainable venues, eliminating paper waste, using eco-friendly materials, and promoting digital ticketing.

Programme Venues

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Terms & Conditions

Before registering for the program, please read this agreement carefully. By registering, you acknowledge and accept these terms and conditions. Please be aware that this terms and conditions has legal implications that may affect your future legal actions and rights.

Privacy Policy

Our privacy policy offers a detailed explanation of how we collect, use, and share different types of personal information, along with the reasons behind these practices. It is a valuable resource for understanding how your data is managed and safeguarded.

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