Mr. David Rubenstein

From James Emejo in Abuja

World's largest private equity firm, Carlyle Group said it was ready to invest in Sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria.  Speaking to THIDSDAY during a courtesy visit to the Pensions Commission (PENCOM) Abuja, Co-Founder/Managing Director, Carlyle Group, Mr. David Rubenstein explained that the firm would be investing in areas affected by consumers and specifically focus on  the things that appeal to the rapidly growing middle class in the country.

He said the financial services sector and agricultural business are attractive areas of interest for the group. Rubenstein said the bulk of money to be invested in the country would be sourced externally but the Nigerian people are also allowed to invest in the company if they so desired.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Director-General, PENCOM, Mr. Muhammad Ahmad said the commission  encourages Nigerian investors as well as local and private equity firms to consider investment in private equities.

He said as institutional investors, PENCOM should be in a position to provide the lead for local investors to show interest in private equity.  He added that the commission would continue to support Carlyle Group in terms of engaging pensions fund administrators through awareness creation and capacity building.

The Carlyle Group has investments in small, medium and large companies; real estate and infrastructure projects and financial services firms globally.