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ADvTECH expands footprint in Africa with the acquisition of Regis Runda Academy in Kenya

EDUCATION

Edward West|Published

ADvTECH is a JSE-listed private education group. It has acquired the Regis Runda Academy in Nairobi, Kenya.

Image: Supplied

ADvTECH, the JSE-listed South African private education company that is growing its footprint in other African markets, said Thursday it is acquiring the Kenya-based Regis Runda Academy for about R172 million.

The deal means that ADvTECH is further expanding its Makini Schools offering in Nairobi, Kenya.

Situated in the fast-developing Runda area, northeast of Nairobi, the school, with a capacity of 2,000 students and a full K – 12 offering, will be rebranded as Makini Schools Runda, adding to the six schools in ADvTECH’s Makini Schools.

"We are delighted to increase our Makini Schools footprint in Kenya and to bring the brand's compelling proposition to parents and students in one of the fastest developing regions of Nairobi," said ADvTECH CEO Geoff Whyte.

ADvTECH said it would invest in AI-powered digital learning tools and significant enhancements to sporting facilities at the Regis site, to elevate student experience and maximise academic outcomes.

In November 2023, ADvTECH acquired Flipper International School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In June this year, ADvTECH launched Rosebank International University College in Accra, Ghana, its first tertiary institution outside South Africa, with the first academic semester to start on September 1, 2025. A second enrolment cycle would start in February 2026.

"Our prudent approach to capital allocation positions us well to navigate the uncertainties of South Africa’s sluggish economy while capitalising on positive growth opportunities across the African continent. We are particularly excited about developments in Botswana, Kenya, and our recent expansions into Ghana and Ethiopia, which present significant potential for further growth and strategic diversification," ADvTECH chairperson Professor Alex Watson said in the 2024 integrated annual report.

ADvTECH’s share price was trading 0.61% lower at R31.11 on Thursday afternoon on the JSE, little changed from R29.36 a year ago.

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