Black women-led infrastructure investor launches in South Africa

A black women-led infrastructure investment group with 1bn rand of assets under management ($56m) has been formed in South Africa to invest in the country and the wider region.

Motseng Ideas Infrastructure Group (MIIG) – formed by Motseng Investment Holdings and African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) through its IDEAS Fund – is 67% owned by black investors and 57% by black women.

The firm’s immediate focus will be on delivering public-private partnership projects across sectors including social infrastructure, healthcare and government office accommodation across South Africa and the wider Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

“With a strong focus on social and economic infrastructure, MIIG’s mission is to invest in, develop and operate assets that directly improve the lives of communities and drive inclusive growth,” the firm said.

The firm aims to partner with governments, the private sector and local communities across the region, and plans to attract new capital. It said it will be led by an executive team with more than 40 years of combined industry expertise.

Huge demand for infrastructure

South Africa’s infrastructure needs alone are substantial. According to the World Bank, South Africa needs to spend between R4.8 trillion and R6.2 trillion ($254bn to $329bn) on transport, water and sanitation, basic education, and technical and vocational education and training between 2022 and 2030, to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The figures for the infrastructure spending are equivalent to spending between 8.7% and 11.2% of gross domestic product (GDP) per year on average.

“MIIG represents more than just a business venture, it is a statement of intent. It reflects our commitment to pioneering empowerment-driven infrastructure development that not only meets the needs of the market but also advances meaningful black and black women ownership,” said Ipeleng Mkhari, CEO of Motseng.

“This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver high-impact infrastructure projects while aligning with South Africa’s socio-economic transformation goals.”

Vuyo Ntoi, co-managing director of African Infrastructure Investment Managers, said:

“Through MIIG, we join a powerful platform that combines exceptional women and black economic empowerment credentials with proven execution capability and a strong balance sheet which will provide the financial strength to support long-term growth.

“Together with Motseng, we are creating a powerful investment platform that not only promised to deliver strong investment returns but also drives long-term socio-economic impact.”