‘Africa is witnessing a growing interest in investment migration’

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.

As high-net-worth investors increasingly seek opportunities that combine financial returns with lifestyle benefits, how does Mercan’s portfolio in Portugal meet these demands, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors?

Mercan’s portfolio is strategically designed to meet the demands of high-net-worth investors. Our investments in the tourism and hospitality sectors not only offer lucrative financial returns but also provide an enriched lifestyle experience.

By focusing on quality properties, including historical buildings and industrial conversions, we ensure that our investors receive both value appreciation and the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle in Portugal.

How does Nigeria as a country gain from your organisation’s investment migration programmes, and is your organisation also selling the country to the outside world?

Nigeria benefits from our investment migration programs by providing avenues for its citizens to secure global opportunities and diversify their assets. Our initiatives facilitate the movement of capital, which can lead to economic growth.

Furthermore, these programs empower high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) from the Nigerian diaspora to act as ambassadors for their country. By representing some of the most successful members of the population, they help project a positive image of Nigeria in Portugal and beyond, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of Nigeria’s potential among international communities.

Focusing on Nigerians and other African businesses, how does your organisation protect their investments from harsh economic trends, both globally and in their country of residence?

At Mercan, we prioritise due diligence and risk management in our investment offerings. We conduct thorough market research and partner with reputable local experts to ensure that our projects are resilient against economic fluctuations.

Additionally, we provide continuous support and guidance to our investors, helping them navigate challenges and protect their investments. Importantly, all our projects come with a guaranteed buy-back option, which further safeguards our investors’ interests and provides peace of mind in uncertain economic conditions.

Considering the economic realities across countries, how is the global hospitality industry fairing today?

The global hospitality industry is currently undergoing significant transformation. While it faces challenges such as economic downturns and changing travel patterns, there are also emerging opportunities driven by pent-up demand for travel and investment.

Properties that provide unique experiences and cater to evolving consumer preferences are likely to thrive. At Mercan, we are focused on adapting to these trends and ensuring our investments remain attractive.

How does this extensive global network benefit the company and its clients, and what sets Mercan apart from other players in the investment migration and real estate sectors?

Our extensive global network allows us to tap into diverse markets, providing our clients with a broad range of investment opportunities. This connectivity enhances our ability to identify trends and create tailored solutions for our investors.

What sets Mercan apart is our commitment to quality and service; we don’t just facilitate investments; we build lasting relationships with our clients, ensuring they receive ongoing support and insights throughout their investment journey.