Nigerian Pension Giants Snap Up Stakes in InfraCredit from UK Firm MOBILIST

In a bold move to deepen local involvement in Africa's infrastructure financing, several leading Nigerian pension fund administrators have acquired significant shares in InfraCredit from the UK-based investor MOBILIST. This transaction marks a pivotal shift, channeling domestic capital into critical projects that promise long-term economic gains.

The deal, which closed recently, saw MOBILIST divest its entire 20 percent stake in InfraCredit, a specialized institution dedicated to bolstering infrastructure bonds. The buyers include heavyweights like the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Pension Alliance Limited, and other prominent players in the pension sector. This partial exit by MOBILIST comes after the firm poured $15 million into InfraCredit back in 2019, helping to lay the groundwork for expanded access to affordable long-term funding.

InfraCredit, established in 2017 as Nigeria's pioneering credit enhancement outfit, has played a starring role in unlocking billions for infrastructure development. By providing guarantees on local currency bonds, it has facilitated over NGN 1 trillion in investments across sectors like transportation, power, and renewable energy. The fresh infusion of pension funds not only strengthens InfraCredit's balance sheet but also aligns with broader efforts to diversify pension portfolios into high-impact assets.

Yomi Aina, managing director and chief executive of InfraCredit, hailed the development as a "game-changer for sustainable infrastructure growth." He emphasized how it empowers local institutions to drive Nigeria's development agenda while mitigating risks through robust guarantees. On the buyer side, representatives from the pension administrators expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to support nation-building initiatives that yield stable returns for retirees.

MOBILIST, known for its focus on impact-driven investments in emerging markets, views this handover as a natural progression. The firm retains a board seat to guide ongoing strategies, ensuring continuity in InfraCredit's mission. This sale underscores a maturing ecosystem where international backers transition ownership to capable domestic partners, fostering self-reliance in funding Africa's infrastructure renaissance.

As Nigeria grapples with a yawning gap in infrastructure spending, deals like this signal growing confidence among local investors. Analysts predict it could spur more pension capital into similar ventures, potentially accelerating projects that create jobs and enhance connectivity. With InfraCredit now boasting stronger local roots, the stage is set for an even more ambitious push toward resilient, homegrown development.