The Women’s Investment Fund is an investment vehicle that supports long term accumulation of wealth. Uniquely, it is the first SEC registered mutual fund to have exposure to Real Estate, Private Equity and stocks.

A mutual fund is a pool of funds from several investors who share similar investment objectives. A mutual fund affords its investors the distinct advantages of diversification i.e. access to a variety of assets; reduced transaction costs and expertise of a professional Fund Manager.

An opportunity to subscribe to units of the Fund. A total of 25,000,000 units are currently available at N100 per unit.

The genesis of the Fund was to overcome some challenges in investing that were common among women but equally apply to men. These were: high barriers to entry in Real Estate and Private Equity transactions. Additionally, we have identified that women owned businesses are one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy which have the potential to produce superior returns. The Fund has approval to invest in these businesses.

The Nigerian stock market currently offers the opportunity to invest in fundamentally sound companies with strong prospects at historically low prices. The research backed investment approach will allow the Fund to unlock these value opportunities.

Real Estate?

Investments in Real Estate typically require large capital outlays and this can make opportunities inaccessible to the average investor. Real Estate investments in prime areas provide significant sustainable opportunities; a good store of value and significant capital appreciation.

Private Equity including Women Owned Businesses?

Uniquely, up to 30% of the Fund’s assets will be invested in women owned businesses. These businesses are said to form part of the fastest growing segments of the economy and they range across all sectors including manufacturing, services, real estate and energy. It is our belief that these companies, which often have difficulty raising money through traditional channels, will generate superior returns when properly supported and capitalized.

Yes they can. The Fund makes a sound investment sense for any investor, male or female who wishes to take advantage of the unique asset class exposure and the open ended nature of the fund, which supports regular investing. As well as investing for themselves, men are encouraged to invest in the Fund on behalf of their female relatives.

The Women’s Investment Fund is managed by Chapel Hill Denham Management Limited, (“CHDM”), the investment management business of the Chapel Hill Denham Group, Nigeria’s leading independent investment bank. In its over 14 years of existence, Chapel Hill Denham has managed a number of unit trust schemes including Paramount Equity Fund, Millennium Fund and Nigeria Global Investment Fund.

Unit Trusts in Nigeria are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) whose primary role is to protect the interests of investors. Chapel Hill Denham Management Limited and the Women’s Investment Fund are registered with and regulated by the SEC. In addition, investors in the Fund are protected by the Trustees who hold the assets of the Fund on behalf the investors.

No, the Fund is structured to provide a continual investment opportunity, being open ended, this means that you will get all the units you apply for in the IPO. Also after the IPO you can continue to invest on a regular basis.

Investment returns are twofold. The Fund intends to pay dividends annually. The value of the Fund will increase as the investments grow the unit price will thus increase providing capital gains.

Subscriptions from foreign based investors are most welcome. Our receiving banks are committed to issuing Certificates of Capital Importation (“CCI”) to investors paying in foreign currencies within 48 hours of confirmation of receipt of the subscription amount. The CCI serves as evidence of investment in foreign currencies and in the event of a redemption, allows the investor to repatriate investment proceeds at the official exchange rate. Please contact us for additional information on the process.

Unit prices of the Fund can be found in the Capital Markets section of daily newspapers. Alternatively, unitholders can check the Fund’s website or call the Fund’s helpdesk (details below).

For more information please contact us on +234 (1) 270 4050 or email wif@chapelhilldenham.com