Cape Town

Maia Capital Partners (www.MaiaCapital.co.za) through its Maia Debt Impact Fund I, (“Maia Capital”) announced today that they have provided mezzanine debt funding to Student Living Asset Management (“SLAM”), a South African real estate private equity fund specialising in student accommodation, to acquire a 51% majority stake in the landmark 1,026-bed residence in Stellenbosch, South Africa called Academia. Academia is the largest student residence in Stellenbosch, solidifying SLAM's position as a leading investor in institutional quality student accommodation in South Africa. 

Located on-campus at Stellenbosch University, Academia offers over one thousand beds across 28 landscaped blocks with a restaurant, padel and volleyball courts, as well as biometric access, CCTV, and 24-hour security. Established in 2000 and managed internally for over 25 years, it supports a 20% international cohort and upholds a strong Code of Conduct for a safe, community-focused student experience. 

Tshandu Ramusetheli, CEO at Maia Capital, remarked: “We are delighted to partner with SLAM on this landmark transaction, which reflects our commitment to addressing the pressing shortfall of student accommodation in South Africa. Our partnership with SLAM not only enhances our portfolio but aligns with our gender-focused investment strategy; by prioritizing female tenants at Academia, and with an all-female management team ensuring exemplary operations, we are fostering an inclusive environment for students. Partnering with real estate firms like SLAM is crucial for the growth of educational infrastructure in our country. Such developments create jobs and contribute significantly to bridging the demand gap for student accommodation” 

This off-market acquisition, completed in partnership with the existing ownership team, demonstrates SLAM's ability to identify and execute complex high-value transactions of ‘best in class' assets while preserving operational continuity through ‘best of breed' operators. 

“This will be business as usual,” said Ndumiso Davidson, CEO and Co-Founder at SLAM. “SLAM invests in assets of scale in defensive locations with a strong operating track record and demonstrable long term student demand. Academia exemplifies the profile of assets we seek to provide our investors. We are joining forces with the existing leadership team. There will be no disruption, no staff overhaul, and no operational restructuring. We're here to build on a strong foundation, not to fix an operation that's already working exceptionally well and has been the residence of choice in Stellenbosch for the last 25years.” 

“This acquisition is a strategic anchor for our national portfolio,” added Romeo Makhubela, Chairman of SLAM. “It reflects our belief in this sector's potential to deliver dependable inflation-beating income while directly supporting educational outcomes and youth development.” 

CMS South Africa acted as legal counsel to Maia Capital 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Maia Capital Partners.

For more information contact:  
Tshandu Ramusetheli  
Chief Executive Officer – Maia Capital Partners 
tshandu@maiacapital.co.za or invest@maiacapital.co.za 
Tel: +27-72-197-8752 
Capital Hill, 6 Benmore Road, Benmore, South Africa - 2196

About Maia Capita Partners:
Maia Capital Partners was established in June 2020 with a mission to generate competitive financial returns while driving positive social and environmental impact through private debt investments. The firm reached its final close in June 2024, raising over R1 billion from South African pension funds.  

The Maia Debt Impact Fund I is dedicated to driving economic transformation by providing mezzanine financing to mid-market companies across a variety of sectors, including renewable energy, affordable housing, healthcare, education, financial inclusion and more. Maia Capital's focus on economic transformation ensures we support industries that promote infrastructure development, job creation, and sustainable industrialization, while remaining open to a wide range of impactful transactions.  

Maia Capital Partners was founded by a team of seasoned investment professionals with over 80 years of combined experience in private markets, infrastructure, and impact investing. The firm is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa 

Website: www.MaiaCapital.co.za

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Egypt is advancing the development of its mining sector through a strategy aimed at increasing the industry's contribution to GDP to 6% by 2030. The upcoming African Mining Week – Africa's premier gathering for mining stakeholders – will highlight Egypt's investor-friendly industry expansion strategy and connect global investors with emerging partnership and investment prospects across the country's mineral value chain. 

Intensifying Exploration and Production 

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (https://apo-opa.co/3V4y5kq) of Egypt is intensifying exploration and production activities through strategic cooperation with international mining firms. Several exploration campaigns and production developments are underway, including partnerships with AngloGold Ashanti, Nubia Mines Company, Aton Resources, and others to expand gold reserves and increase annual gold production to 800,000 ounces by 2030. Egypt is also advancing potash development with firms like El Sewedy Cap Investments to diversify its mineral portfolio. 

Maximizing Local Value Addition 

Egypt is maximizing local value addition through beneficiation projects that leverage existing and new petroleum and petrochemical infrastructure. The goal is to build integrated industries, boost local employment and retain more value domestically through processed mineral products. Key milestones include a July 2025 agreement between the Egyptian Mineral Resources Company and EK Mining Company (https://apo-opa.co/45SfbDz) to establish industrial operations around mineral beneficiation, as well as a $658 million (https://apo-opa.co/3HFATBq) phosphoric acid complex being developed in partnership with China's Asia Potash in the New Valley governorate. The facility is expected to produce 900,000 tons annually to serve the growing fertilizer market. 

Investing in Human Capital 

Human capital development is central to Egypt's mining vision. Under the 2024–2030 Economic Strategy (https://apo-opa.co/3Uw5nsB), the country seeks to increase local content in manufacturing and mining industries to between 60% and 80%. Collaboration with Centamin (https://apo-opa.co/4fEJiS6) and the General Union of Mines and Quarries aim to build local skills, create jobs and ensure higher Egyptian participation across the mining value chain through targeted training and employment programs. 

Strengthening Regional Cooperation 

Egypt is enhancing regional cooperation to foster shared growth in the global mining industry. The country is partnering with BRICS nations to establish a joint geological platform focused on knowledge transfer, seismic studies and exploration of strategic minerals critical to energy and industrial transitions. Additionally, Egypt is strengthening collaboration with mining firms from China, Saudi Arabia (including Al-Haitham Mining Company) and South Africa to scale up infrastructure, exploration, and cross-border trade in minerals. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

About African Mining Week:
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.