UCIF reports 24.6% return in 2025, boosting infrastructure investments

United Capital Plc has announced strong financial results for its infrastructure investment vehicle, the United Capital Infrastructure Fund (UCIF), reporting a gross return of 24.62 per cent for the year ended December 31, 2025, outperforming comparable market instruments.

The fund, a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-licensed infrastructure debt fund managed by the Pan-African financial services group, generated total income of ₦3.06 billion in the 2025 financial year, representing a 54.5 per cent increase year-on-year. The growth was largely driven by the strong performance of its diversified infrastructure loan portfolio.

According to the fund managers, the performance highlights the increasing role of private capital in financing critical infrastructure projects in Nigeria, particularly in key sectors requiring long-term funding.

Since its launch, UCIF has distributed ₦6.19 billion to qualified unit holders, reinforcing its objective of providing investors with stable and sustainable income streams.

During the review period, the fund also strengthened its governance structure by appointing four experienced professionals to its Investment Committee, bringing additional expertise in infrastructure finance, transaction advisory, impact investing, and corporate governance.

Commenting on the performance, UcheNna Mkparu, Chief Investment Officer and Fund Manager at UCIF, said the results reflect the fund’s disciplined investment strategy.

“UCIF’s strong FY 2025 results reflect our disciplined investment approach, rigorous due diligence processes, and commitment to financing infrastructure assets with predictable and sustainable cash flows. We remain focused on building a resilient, diversified portfolio that delivers competitive returns for investors while supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure development and economic growth objectives,” Mkparu said.

In line with its sustainability-focused investment strategy, the fund continues to prioritise projects that reduce carbon emissions, expand access to reliable energy, promote circular economy practices, and deliver positive social impact, while maintaining a zero non-performing loan portfolio.

Also reacting to the performance, Peter Ashade, Group Chief Executive Officer of United Capital Plc, said the fund demonstrates how innovative capital market solutions can help address Africa’s infrastructure financing gap.

“UCIF’s consistent performance reflects the growing role of innovative capital market solutions and how they can significantly help close Africa’s infrastructure financing gap. We believe long-term, naira-denominated capital is essential for Nigeria’s infrastructure development, and UCIF is our Group’s response to bridging this gap,” he said.

Ashade added that demand for infrastructure financing solutions continues to grow as the group focuses on mobilising long-term capital for projects that drive economic growth and create lasting value for investors.

As Nigeria intensifies efforts to close its infrastructure deficit and promote inclusive growth, the United Capital Infrastructure Fund is positioning itself to channel long-term investment into high-impact projects while delivering competitive risk-adjusted returns to investors.

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