The SA Housing and Infrastructure Fund (SAHIF) has successfully raised $38 million (R700 million) to bolster its operations by settling existing facilities with AIIM and Old Mutual Hybrids Equity. This capital injection aims to expedite the expansion of high-speed internet access across South Africa.
CEO Rali Mampeule, expressed the company’s ambitious goal of securing up to $225 million (R4.1 billion) in investments from various sources, including domestic and international pension funds, development finance institutions (DFIs), and limited partners (LPs). The recent funding will serve as a robust investment platform to propel ongoing projects, particularly in partnership with MFN, an independent institutional shareholder.
In 2021, SAHIF, along with AIIM and STOA, acquired a significant stake in MetroFibre Networx, consolidating their position as majority shareholders. MetroFibre, established in 2010, specializes in fiber-to-the-business services and has expanded its offerings to residential and corporate sectors. The capital raise follows MetroFibre’s announcement in 2022 of securing a R5 billion debt finance package from Standard Bank to support its network rollout, aiming to reach 500,000 households by 2025.Mampeule highlighted the strategic importance of the funding, mentioning engagements with local and international stakeholders to scale investments.
Beyond digital infrastructure, SAHIF’s capital injection will facilitate affordable housing delivery and strategic investments in the financial services sector, aligning with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Shelter Tech initiatives.Additionally, SAHIF is committed to eco-friendly practices, emphasizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments. The organization has assembled a team to drive expansion into the renewable energy sector, ensuring a comprehensive ESG investment strategy in utility businesses across Africa.
