IFC Provides Funding for African Real Estate through Company Led by Investec Asset Management and Growthpoint

The FINANCIAL — IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, on May 9 announced an investment commitment of $40 million in equity to Growthpoint Investec African Properties Limited, a property investment holding company led by Investec Asset Management and Growthpoint Properties. It will invest in income-producing commercial real estate assets in Sub-Saharan Africa.   

Africa’s property infrastructure is in early stages of development, yet rapid urbanization, business development, and substantially increasing consumer demand on the Continent is growing the need for a wide range of high quality properties throughout the region. Well-funded commercial property development will generate critical facilities for businesses and consumers that provide a foundation for continued rapid growth in Africa, according to IFC.

Oumar Seydi, IFC Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, said, “As Africa grows it will require improved properties and large-scale developments that can be used by productive businesses and meet increasing consumer demand. We are confident that Investec Asset Management and Growthpoint Properties provide the right combination to successfully create a robust portfolio of property investments across Africa.” 

Commercial real estate assets targeted for investment include top-quality office space, retail and industrial or logistics properties, especially in the region’s largest and fastest growing economies. 

John Green, Head, Global Client Group at Investec Asset Management, comments: “We welcome IFC’s equity partnership at this time as an endorsement of our view that the African real estate markets are well positioned for a long-term growth phase given the significant supply deficit across the Continent. Investec’s pan-African investment experience, Growthpoint’s industry-leading property investment expertise, and IFC’s deep African knowledge create an excellent formula for success.” 

Norbert Sasse, CEO of Growthpoint Properties, explains: “With the full commitment of our partners we are creating a powerful platform for pan-African property investment. This venture with Investec Asset Management and IFC will encourage significant real estate business across Africa.”