PBA ReporterLagos-based real estate firm, Mixta Africa, has successfully obtained a lifeline credit from pan-African housing development financier, Shelter Afrique, to the tune of USD19.5 million. The fund amounts to ₦8 billion in local currency.
The facility, which is for a seven-year period, has a moratorium of 24 months and has been structured to co-finance Mixta’s affordable residential projects investments and for debt refinancing.
A statement made available to Prime Business Africa (PBA) by Shelter Afrique indicates that, of the total amount, USD 9.75 (₦4 billion) will be used to co – finance 1,171 affordable housing units comprising on-going Beechwood Park project (187 units) and New Marula projects (984 units).
The other USD9.75 (₦4 billion), according to Shelter Afrique, will be used by Mixta Africa to repay part of its 7-months Commercial Papers raised from the capital market in a bid to reduce the aggregate Commercial Papers outstanding from ₦ 17.9billion to ₦13.9billion.
“The deal with Mixta Real Estate PLC is appealing to us because in addition to addressing the development of affordable it also it stimulates rapid growth in housing provision, re-invigorates the development of the mortgage industry, as well as incorporating a sustainable development finance solution that makes the sector attractive to financiers,” Shelter Afrique Ag. Managing Director Kingsley Muwowo said.
Enabling access to housing and home ownership at affordable prices, according to Mixta Africa’s Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Mr Benson Ajayi, is the company’s main priority.
“The funding from Shelter Afrique. he says, ”is a validation of the housing and infrastructure development credentials of Mixta Africa. We are pleased to receive this funding approval after a rigorous due diligence process. In addition to accelerating the delivery of sustainable and affordable housing, the transaction will also strengthen the company’s funding status. The Company is delighted about the support of Shelter Afrique and looks forward to working with Shelter Afrique to deliver on its affordable housing mandate across Africa.”
Other projects
Shelter Afrique has had a long term relationship with Mixta Africa dating back to the year 2014 when the Company extended USD 6 million to Mixta Africa (formerly ARM Properties PLC) to co-finance the development of 13 blocks comprising 130 apartments and related infrastructures services for outright sale to the public. The project was successfully completed and the loan fully paid back.
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In March 2021, Shelter Afrique Board of Director approved a corporate loan in the form of a line of credit of USD 13 million in favor of Mixta. The 5- year facility was to be on-lent to Mixta’s Real Estate Development affiliates to fund the Group’s current real estate portfolio composed of three key housing developments programs of 889 low to middle housing units in Morocco (371 units), in Senegal (162 units) and in Ivory Coast (356 housing units).
“We are jointly reviewing a few terms and conditions of this facility at the moment and loan agreements between the two parties are expected to be signed soon,” Mr. Muwowo said.
The facility is expected to directly impact more than 1,171 families and provide accommodation for more than 4,684 people (average size of households in Lagos is 3.8) and create at least 2,342 jobs.
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