Grene Capital Management Nigeria has successfully completed a management buyout, spinning out from global investment firm Actis to become an independent, Africa-focused real assets fund manager. The transition establishes Grene Capital as a standalone entity dedicated to investing in high-quality real estate across the continent. This strategic move, led by the firm's existing management team, signals a new phase of specialized investment in Africa's growing property sector.
A New Era of Specialized Real Asset Management
The newly independent Grene Capital will continue its established strategy of investing in stabilized, institutional-quality real estate assets. The firm targets institutional investors, such as pension funds, who seek predictable cash flows and a reliable hedge against inflation. This focused approach allows Grene Capital to deliver stable, income-generating opportunities within key African urban centers, meeting the demand for resilient investment vehicles.
Currently, the firm manages a closed-end real estate fund with approximately $82 million in assets under management. Its flagship properties include Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja, a major retail hub, and Heritage Place in Ikoyi, Lagos, a premier Grade-A office building. These assets exemplify the firm’s commitment to acquiring top-tier properties with strong tenancy profiles and diversified income streams in strategic locations.
Ensuring Continuity and Investor Confidence
A key aspect of the transition is the continuity of leadership, with the same management team that has overseen the fund since its inception at Actis remaining at the helm. Funke Okubadejo, Managing Partner and CEO, affirmed that the firm’s focus remains on disciplined asset selection and delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns. This consistency ensures that the fund's strategy and operational excellence will be maintained without interruption.
This stability in leadership is crucial for maintaining the confidence of limited partners, lenders, and other strategic stakeholders during this new chapter. Okubadejo noted that independence enhances the firm's ability to pursue opportunities across Africa while upholding its commitments to investors. The seamless transition underscores a commitment to operational continuity and long-term value creation for all partners involved.
Actis's Strategic Refocus
The management buyout aligns with a broader strategic realignment at Actis, which is shifting its real estate investment focus towards high-growth opportunities in Asia. The global investor is also expanding its activities in digital infrastructure across Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Despite this pivot, Actis maintains a strong presence in Africa through its active infrastructure and energy investment platforms.
David Morley, Vice Chairman at Actis, expressed strong support for the move, emphasizing the experience of the Grene Capital leadership team. He confirmed that the fund’s operations, assets, and investment approach will remain unchanged, ensuring a smooth transition to independent ownership. This endorsement highlights the amicable nature of the spinout and Actis's confidence in the new entity's future success.
With all necessary regulatory and limited partner approvals secured, Grene Capital Management is now fully positioned for its next phase of growth. The successful management buyout empowers the firm to scale its platform, attract new institutional capital, and expand its portfolio of high-quality real estate assets. This development marks a significant milestone for both Grene Capital and the African real assets investment landscape, promising a future of focused growth and specialized management.