‘Africa is witnessing a growing interest in investment migration’: read Mehdi Kadiri exclusive interview to Business Day

Mehdi Kadiri is a seasoned executive with a wealth of experience across multiple industries and regions. As the executive vice president at Mercan, Mehdi plays a pivotal role in driving business development, fostering strategic partnerships, and leading operational initiatives.

With a deep understanding of investment migration, Mehdi’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding Mercan’s global presence, particularly in the realms of immigration and real estate. In this interview with Juliet Onyema, he speaks about investment migration and how Nigerian investors can invest in Portugal’s real estate market.

Briefly tell us about the Mercan Group and its residency by investment offerings? Mercan Group is a global leader in investment migration, recognized as one of the largest pure-play B2B players in this field. We specialize in facilitating citizenship and residency programs through investments, particularly in real estate and hospitality.

Our products are designed to provide investors with the opportunity to obtain residency in various countries (Portugal & Greece) by investing in quality projects, which ultimately enhance their lifestyle and global mobility. Currently, we have over 31 hotels in Portugal and are expanding our offerings to include a range of golden visa products in Greece as well.

Can you explain why investment migration is becoming increasingly popular in Africa? Investment migration is gaining traction in Africa due to a combination of factors, including the desire for better security, improved education opportunities, and access to global markets.

High-net-worth individuals are increasingly seeking ways to diversify their assets and secure their family’s future through citizenship or residency in more stable economies. Additionally, as awareness of these opportunities grows, more investors are recognising the benefits of obtaining a second passport.

With your global experience, having lived and worked in five countries, how has this shaped your approach to business development and investment migration, particularly in Europe and emerging markets like Nigeria?

My diverse experiences across different cultures have provided me with unique insights into various markets and investor motivations. This global perspective allows me to tailor our offerings to meet the specific needs of different regions. In developed nations, the key drivers focus on domicile diversifying and Plan Bs, whereas in emerging markets like Nigeria, the key drivers revolve around security, safety and mobility.

Mercan operates in more than 30 countries currently; are there plans to expand its operation into Africa? If yes or no, why?

Yes, we are actively exploring expansion opportunities in Africa. The continent is witnessing a growing interest in investment migration, and we believe there is significant potential to serve high-net-worth individuals seeking international opportunities. Our goal is to establish strong partnerships with local intermediaries to ensure we understand and meet the unique needs of African investors.

About 56 percent of Africa’s millionaires and over 90 percent of its billionaires lived in just five countries in 2023 – South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya and Morocco, according to The Africa Wealth Report 2024 published by Henley & Partners and New World Wealth, while Nigeria placed 3rd on the continent with 8,226 HNWIs.

Your organisation has built a strong reputation in Portugal’s hospitality and real estate sectors. How do you see your participation in the Henley and Partners Investment Migration Roadshow helping to attract investors, particularly high-net-worth individuals from Nigeria to Mercan’s projects in Portugal?

Participating in the Henley and Partners Investment Migration Roadshow provides a valuable platform to showcase our successful projects and expertise in the investment migration space. It allows us to connect directly with potential investors, share insights on the benefits of our offerings, and answer their questions. This engagement is crucial for building trust and demonstrating the value of investing in Portugal’s real estate market, especially for high-net-worth individuals from Nigeria seeking lifestyle and investment opportunities.

What’s the role of the Portuguese government in your projects and how are they backing it?

The Portuguese government plays a pivotal role in our projects by providing a supportive regulatory framework for investment migration. Their commitment to attracting foreign investment through programs like the Golden Visa has been instrumental in our success.

They actively promote the benefits of the program, and we work closely with government agencies to ensure compliance and enhance the attractiveness of our offerings.

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