Standard Bank supports STANLIB’s ambitions to expand its investment in infrastructure and sustainable energy

STANLIB is one of SA’s leading asset managers and part of the Standard Bank Group Limited. STANLIB Infrastructure Investments is the second-largest infrastructure investor by AUM and capital available to deploy in South Africa. This experienced team manages the STANLIB Infrastructure Fund of Funds. They maintain their proven track record across the capital structure through deep complementary industry, technical and geographic investment experience.

The STANLIB Infrastructure Fund of Funds drives Africa’s growth through its mandate of investing in private equity funds managed by STANLIB in South Africa with an infrastructure investment focus. Standard Bank will support this growth by providing a revolving credit facility solution to fund future infrastructure and sustainable energy investments. In this transaction, Standard Bank acted as sole mandated lead arranger through its Investment Banking division and partnered with the STANLIB Infrastructure Fund of Funds to ensure that the bank is prioritising the improvement of South Africa’s infrastructure and sustainable energy supply.

In the past decade, STANLIB has invested in 30 assets and currently has around R11.5 billion assets under management. The fund is actively pursuing further investment opportunities, including greenfield renewable energy projects which will assist South Africa’s transition to more reliable and cleaner energy. STANLIB offers institutional investors an opportunity to invest across a range of infrastructure development projects through a private equity vehicle, while promoting socially responsible and environmentally sustainable business practices and implementing the highest standards of corporate governance and responsibility. The company believes that investment in the infrastructure asset class in South Africa not only offers investors diversified, risk-appropriate, stable, long-term returns but is a powerful means of making a tangible and sustainable difference to South African communities.

Infrastructure development is a crucial component to South Africa’s economic growth and potential. For example, improving road infrastructure will provide better opportunities for goods and services to be transported, keep people connected to metropolises, enable the creation of jobs in various sectors and enhance productivity in the economy.

Additionally, South Africa’s energy crisis has resulted in the need for more investments in sustainable energy projects. Investing in sustainable energy projects will lead to various benefits such as creating employment in new sectors such as electric vehicles, green hydrogen and renewable energy, providing a reliable and secure supply of electricity for South African citizens and reducing the impact of climate change while creating a green economy.

Given the financial constraints faced by the South African government, Standard Bank is committed to remaining at the forefront of financing South Africa’s infrastructure development and energy transition, which is set to have a positive impact across all surrounding communities. We are committed to partnering with likeminded businesses and other stakeholders to continue to drive Africa’s growth and improve the lives of South African citizens.