Category: Business

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.

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October 2nd marked the grand inauguration ceremony of the Holiday Inn Express Porto – Boavista, a project by Mercan Properties that marks a significant milestone for tourism and urban regeneration. The ceremony was honored by the presence of the City Council’s Councillor for Tourism, Dra. Catarina Santos Cunha, who emphasized the strategic importance of this new hospitality asset.

During her speech, Dra. Catarina Santos Cunha praised Mercan Properties’ role in contributing to two critical areas for the city’s growth: tourism and urban redevelopment. She highlighted how the hotel’s opening complements this vibrant area of Porto, known for its cultural, business, and leisure attractions, highlighting her excitement about “what the next major investment from Mercan Properties will be,” reinforcing the company’s influence on Porto’s future.

The new Holiday Inn Express Porto, located at the heart of Porto’s business and entertainment district, is set to become a valuable addition to the city. With its prime location near key transportation links, the hotel offers easy access to both the city and the broader northern region of Portugal. It’s an ideal choice for business travelers, while also catering perfectly to tourists with its proximity to cultural landmarks like Casa da Música and Mercado do Bom Sucesso.

The hotel features 91 rooms, a restaurant, and a bar area, with hotel management by AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, ensuring guests experience the best Porto has to offer. This new opening is part of Mercan Properties’ ongoing urban regeneration efforts in Porto, where the group already operates 8 hotels and has 3 more under construction.

Jordi Vilanova, President of Mercan Properties in Portugal, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “Porto has been our home since 2015, when we began developing our first projects. The Holiday Inn Express Porto aims to provide a new service to the city, located in a primarily business area but surrounded by rich cultural and tourism offerings. We are proud to contribute further to the city’s development.”

On September 19, 2024, the city of Miami hosted the renowned Global Citizenship Forum at The Fontainebleau Hotel. This exclusive one-day event in partnership with Henley & Partners brought together world leaders, industry pioneers, and experts in the citizenship and residence by investment (RCBI) space, offering a deep dive into the trends, regulations, and opportunities.

Our company had a strong presence at the event, represented by our team with Jerry Morgan, Jason Morgan and Mehdi Kadiri. As a major player in the Portuguese RCBI market, Mercan Group was at the forefront of discussions surrounding the most promising investment opportunities in Europe, namely in Portugal.

A highlight of the day was Jerry Morgan’s participation in a panel discussion on the funds eligible under the Portuguese RCBI. Jerry shared key insights on how investors can leverage these funds to benefit from the residency options in Portugal. A country known for its high quality of life, robust economy, and favorable investment climate. He also delved into the recent changes in Portuguese regulations and how Mercan Group helps navigate these complexities to maximize investment success.

The Global Citizenship Forum provided an invaluable platform for industry leaders to share expertise, build new partnerships, and explore future collaborations. With Portugal continuing to be a top destination for RCBI, Mercan Group stands out as a trusted partner in guiding investors through this dynamic landscape.

Read more, here!