Stanlib, Johannesburg-based asset management operation of South Africa’s Standard Bank is launching two African equity funds. The Standard South Africa Equity Fund and the Standard Africa Equity Fund will launch as UCITS III funds early this month and will target multi-managers, funds of funds, hedge funds, other institutional investors and high net worth investors. The Standard South Africa Equity Fund will invest exclusively in South Africa whilst the Standard Africa Equity Fund will invest in up to 20 African markets across the continent excluding South Africa. South Africa is separated out from other African countries as it represents over 70 per cent of Africa’s entire stock market capitalisation and it would dominate any portfolio, says the company.