Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has listed Africa Infra Plus Fund (AIPF I), a N20.5billion closed-end infrastructure fund. The listing of Africa Infra Plus Fund on Tuesday, January 24 on the Exchange was commemorated with a Closing Gong Ceremony.
Co-managed by Africa Plus Partners Plc, and Capitaltrust
Investments & Asset Management Limited, AIPF 1 is Nigeria’s first Carbon+
(ESG-focused) naira-denominated infrastructure fund to be listed on the
Exchange.
AIPF 1’s structure is a pool of equity and quasi-equity
investments in Carbon+ infrastructure projects that promote sustainable
development including, but not limited to roads, power, water supply,
wastewater management, ports, and airports. The Fund also acquires the shares
and other investment instruments issued by socially responsible entities
carrying on infrastructure business or executing infrastructure projects
exclusively.
Commenting on the development, Temi Popoola, Chief Executive
Officer, NGX stated that, “today’s listing marks a significant milestone in our
commitment to promoting sustainable investing and reducing the drivers and
impact of climate change. We are proud to be at the forefront of this and look
forward to more exploits as we drive growth in the capital market.”
Speaking to members of the media, Anhad Narula, chairman,
Africa Plus Partners said, “This is a sustainable infrastructure fund that
specialises in carbon mitigating infrastructure investments.
The fund, whose investors include ordinary Nigerians via
their pension fund administrators, is committed to investing in sustainable
infrastructure businesses that align with the global energy transition and move
towards cleaner sources of energy and efficiently run, sustainable
infrastructure and utility services.”
On his part, Adeniran Ajakaiye, Managing Director, Africa
Plus Partners Plc stated, “With this listing, we aim to demonstrate the highest
levels of good governance and transparency, as we continue to deliver active
returns to shareholders, whilst addressing Nigeria’s ‘missing middle’
infrastructure gap.”
AIPF aims to address the imbalance between the need for
infrastructure development and the concerns about environmental and social
impact by investing in projects that meet strict ESG criteria.
The listing of the fund on NGX is a clear indication of the
growing interest and demand for sustainable investing in Africa and the
Exchange’s commitment to the same. NGX also plans to launch an Impact Board to
further give visibility to sustainable financial instruments listed on The
Exchange and to encourage more listings in the sustainable finance segment as
part of its sustainability drive for the capital market.