Heather Erdmann
The Namibian Oncology Centre (NOC) has been acquired by Salt Capital and French development finance institution FISEA.
It marks a significant investment in Namibia’s private healthcare sector and oncology services.
The transaction was formally announced last Thursday at the NOC in Windhoek during a signing ceremony attended by representatives from Salt Capital, FISEA, Proparco and the French Embassy, with stakeholders stating that the deal aims to strengthen cancer care, improve access to treatment and support the long-term sustainability of specialised oncology services in the country.
The NOC is the country’s first comprehensive private cancer care facility, offering specialised services including radiation therapy, medical oncology, haematology oncology, stem cell transplantation and prostate brachytherapy.
Despite the acquisition, NOC will continue to operate as an independent specialist provider under its existing management team, with managing director Stephanie Quarmby remaining in her role. The new shareholders will take on a long-term supportive role focused on governance, clinical independence, and healthcare standards.
French Ambassador to Namibia Cécile Vigneau said the acquisition reflects a shared ambition to strengthen access to quality healthcare services in Namibia. She noted that cancer care remains a critical global health challenge, including in Namibia and France.
She added that the investment aligns with France’s broader development cooperation through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) group, which supports initiatives in health, environmental protection and reducing socio-economic inequalities.
FISEA, implemented by Proparco under the AFD group, focuses on high-impact investments across Africa aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises, social enterprises, and sustainable private sector development. Salt Capital, founded in 2012, is a private equity firm investing across the SADC region, with healthcare investments including Rhino Park Private Hospital, Welwitschia Hospital and Erongo Radiology.
The NOC also operates two linear accelerators, a 16-bed oncology ward and a specialist isolation unit, alongside a full range of patient support services.
The centre currently operates in Windhoek (Eros and Khomasdal) and Swakopmund, with a fourth facility planned for Ongwediva in mid-2026.
Quarmby said the acquisition represents continuity for the institution, adding that expansion remains a key priority, particularly through the development of the Ongwediva facility, which aims to extend cancer care services to northern Namibia.
-herdmann@nepc.com
Photo: Heather Erdmann