Investing in Africa - SAPOA Conference tackles issues

The focus is perfectly timed. Property development and investment on the continent is growing, led by the South African property industry. In fact, several major African property transactions made news headlines in May alone.

Earlier this month, SA listed property company Resilient Income Fund and pioneering retailer Shoprite, with construction heavyweight Group 5, announced they are developing 10 shopping centres in Nigeria for over R1 billion.

Eris Property Group in joint venture with Botswana Insurance Fund Management as Khumo Property Asset Management, developed and opened the 50 000m² Airport Junction in Gaborone, Botswana.

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) announced it is exploring investment partnerships with SA retailers looking at broadening their footprint in Africa. This follows its authority to invest 5% of its assets under management in Africa.

Then there is Atterbury, which, with local partners, recently developed and opened Bagatelle - Mall of Mauritius.

Panel discussion

Respected property heavyweights will step into the firing line and take this debate to delegates at the convention. Sharing their views is executive director of Growthpoint Properties, Estienne de Klerk, MD of Atterbury Property Developments, James Ehlers, director of Real Estate Actis, Kevin Teeroovengadum, CEO of Renaissance Capital Africa, Clifford Sacks and partner of Cross Border Retail, Cushman & Wakefield LLP, Marc Burlton.

The panel discussion on opportunities in Africa promises to be a heated highlight of the gathering, with each panellist bringing a different perspective. How the SA property industry can best take advantage of opportunities in Africa is likely to be a question of contrasting views.

Frank Berkeley, managing executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance believes that highlighting opportunities in Africa and the merits of following them, will provide valuable insight on an issue that is fundamental to the industry.

For more information, go to www.sapoaconvention.co.za.

SAPOA Convention programme