London-based Actis is a real estate funding institution that plays a major role in commercial and retail development in Africa. In 2012, the firm secured nearly $300 million in funds. Some of its most recognized building accomplishments include the Ikeja City Mall and The Palms in Lagos, and Accra Mall in Accra. It’s also invested in several real estate and retail development projects throughout East Africa, according to Act.is.
First Bank Nigeria is one of the top real estate investors. The bank established First Funds Limited, which provides risk capital to small and medium businesses and has been directed towards several real estate projects. Through the fund, several properties have been acquired and developed, including the Ogombo land that is set aside for the development of a middle class suburban residential and commercial estate. Real estate development companies like Twin Peaks, have also benefited from the fund according to Fbnquest.com.
Cappa and D’Alberto is an Italian property construction company that is behind many iconic buildings around Nigeria, including the Civic Towers on Victoria Island, the Victoria Mall Plaza and the entire Chevron Office Block in Lekki. Cappa & De’Alberto also built the Nigerian head offices for several major banks, including Citibank, Guaranty Trust Bank PLC, and GT Bank, as well as several stunning churches around the city of Lagos. The company is actually responsible for building the headquarters of most Nigerian banks. You can see their full profile of work at Capdal.com.
Source: CityPeopleProperty.
UPDC is a unique development and management company that specializes in upscale residences with several luxury apartment and condominium complexes around Nigeria, as well as private golf estates and full private communities. The company designed one mall that is already complete and is currently working on two more shopping centers and plazas according to Updcplc.com.
James Cubitt is a highly active architectural firm in Nigeria that oversees and manages major projects with its team of civic planners and engineers. The group operates in major metropolitan areas around the world including London and Dubai, and in Nigeria it has been greatly involved in the hospitality industry. The firm built a Sheraton and Hilton property in Nigeria and is overseeing the building of one of the top luxury hotel chains—a Sofitel—acording to Jamescubittandpartners.com.
Dangote Cement is a fully integrated cement company that has three cement plants in Nigeria. Its owner, Aliko Dangote, is Africa’s richest man with a net worth of $17.3 billion. It is the largest cement plant in Africa with a capacity of 5.2 million metric tons per annum. Dangote makes up about 30 percent of the Nigerian Stock Exchange by market capitalization, according to Dangote.com. The group has plans to eliminate the need for imported cement to Nigeria.
Fine and Country is a global real estate brand and real estate consultant. The company originated in the U.K. but has a large presence in Nigeria, specializing in exclusive, high-end properties. Through it’s lifestyle marketing approach it has won several awards. The company offers valuations on properties, and brokerages many of the luxury homes and condominiums around Nigeria. You can see a listing of their current properties at Nigeria.fineandcountry.com.
Johannesburg-based Broll Property Services works with a lot of international corporations looking to expand their presence into Nigeria. The firm handles nearly every step of buying and overseeing a corporate building, from brokering commercial spaces to managing facilities, and overseeing the development of new office spaces to leasing retail spaces. The company is currently involved with 12 commercial properties under development in Nigeria, including nine shopping centers and three large office complexes, according to Broll.com.
