The Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) has appointed Anusha Naidu as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2026. This strategic move signals a new chapter for the industry body as it aims to enhance its role in the region's private capital markets. Naidu's extensive global experience is expected to be a significant asset in guiding SAVCA's expanded mandate and refreshed brand identity.
A Wealth of Global and Local Experience
Anusha Naidu brings over two decades of comprehensive experience in corporate finance, private capital, and mergers and acquisitions advisory. Her career includes senior positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in major financial hubs such as London, Dubai, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. This international exposure has provided her with a deep understanding of complex global transactions and investment landscapes across multiple continents.
Most recently, Naidu served as the Corporate Finance and ESG Executive at Select Africa, African Alliance, where she was a key member of the group executive committee. In this capacity, she led successful capital raising campaigns and fostered crucial relationships with a diverse range of investors. Her work involved engaging with institutional investors, development finance institutions (DFIs), and sovereign funds across multiple African markets.
Strategic Vision for a New Era
SAVCA's board has expressed confidence that Naidu's appointment aligns perfectly with the organization's strategic direction. Her unique combination of technical expertise, global perspective, and on-the-ground experience in African capital markets positions her to lead effectively. The association highlighted her proven ability to structure and secure both debt and equity funding for various sectors, including housing and microfinance.
Vuyo Ntoi, SAVCA's board chairperson, emphasized the timeliness of this leadership change, noting it comes at a period of exciting opportunity for the industry. He stated that Naidu's deep relationships across the investor ecosystem will be instrumental in strengthening SAVCA's role as an industry shaper. Her expertise in capital formation, governance, and ESG is seen as critical for catalyzing sustainable growth in the region.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Naidu takes the helm from Tshepiso Kobile, who stepped down as CEO in May 2025 after a notable tenure. Under Kobile's leadership, SAVCA significantly strengthened its voice in crucial regulatory and policy discussions affecting the industry. This advocacy work ensured that private capital's role was appropriately considered in key legislative frameworks, such as the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill.
During the transition period, SAVCA board member Nicola Gubb served as the interim executive director, providing stable leadership for the association. The board confirmed that Gubb will return to her non-executive board member role following a comprehensive handover to the new CEO. This seamless transition ensures continuity for the organization's ongoing initiatives and member services.
Immediate Priorities and Future Outlook
The new CEO's first major public engagement will be the upcoming SAVCA Private Equity Conference scheduled for March 10-11. This event will provide an immediate platform for her to connect with members, partners, and key industry stakeholders. It represents a key opportunity for her to outline her vision for the next era of private capital in Southern Africa.
Anusha Naidu's appointment as CEO marks a pivotal moment for SAVCA and the broader Southern African investment community. Her leadership is poised to drive the association's mission forward, fostering a more robust and dynamic private capital ecosystem. With her extensive background and strategic vision, she is well-equipped to navigate future challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth.