Actis Raises $1.7B For Global Infrastructure Fund

Global investment manager Actis has closed its second Long Life Infrastructure Fund (ALLIF2) on a record $1.7 billion in investor commitments. The large raise is a testament to the growing demand from institutional investors for defensive, income-yielding infrastructure investments in high-growth economies throughout Asia, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

ALLIF2 will follow the success of Actis' inaugural Long Life Infrastructure Fund (ALLIF1), which closed in 2019 with $1.3 billion of commitments. Similarly to its predecessor, the new fund will target acquiring and upgrading brownfield infrastructure assets that are already operational but have the potential for performance improvement. Its strategy will cover a wide range of sectors such as clean energy, transmission of electricity, district cooling, toll roads, and digital infrastructure. The focus is on generating stable, long-term returns through operational efficiency, moderate leverage, and cash flows protected on the downside.

Nearly 50% of the recently raised fund has already been invested, highlighting Actis' rapid execution and its capacity to spot attractive infrastructure opportunities in emerging markets. Among its significant investments to date is the complete acquisition of Stride Climate Investments, a platform of 21 solar energy projects spread across India. This is a major milestone in the growth of Actis' clean energy portfolio in one of the world's most rapidly expanding renewable energy markets. Besides, the company has signed two new contracts in Brazil's electricity transmission business, further bolstering its presence in Latin America's vibrant infrastructure sector.

Torbjorn Caesar, Senior Partner and Chairman at Actis, highlighted the fund's strategic emphasis, stating that the company's strategy is in line with increasing investor interest in scalable and robust infrastructure investments. "It's evident from our experience that areas away from the West, in the denser and more rapidly growing regions of the world, are where compelling infrastructure opportunities lie," Caesar stated. "Investors are seeking the resilience, scale, and relevance provided by our long-life infrastructure platform."

The fund received support from a wide range of prominent institutional investors such as global pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, and funds of funds based in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Actis says that this pool of diverse and global investors is a reflection of its well-respected track record, extensive knowledge of growth markets, and ability to provide strong returns on a consistent basis through its differentiated investment approach.

Adrian Mucalov, Partner and Head of Long Life Infrastructure at Actis, said the fund is created to satisfy the existing demand among investors for stable and sustainable infrastructure assets. "Our strategy is constructed for the investor demand we are witnessing: infrastructure businesses in high-growth markets that have a good operating history with stable, downside-protected cash flows," he said.

Neda Vakilian, a Partner within the Investor Solutions Group at Actis, added that the successful fundraising reflects investors' confidence in Actis' expertise and long-standing track record in emerging markets. "This successful fundraise is a reflection of increasing investor acknowledgment of Actis' rich knowledge of growth markets and our distinct way of providing stable returns," she said.

Actis' increasing presence in the infrastructure sector has been reinforced by its recent merger with General Atlantic in 2024. The merged company is now in charge of $108 billion in assets, having raised over $26 billion since inception. The ALLIF2 fund sets Actis at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure investment, particularly in those regions that are experiencing fast-tracked urbanization, energy transformations, and digitalization.

ALLIF2's launch also coincides with fast-growing global interest in energy-transition and climate-resilient infrastructure. As pressure grows for institutional investors to map portfolios to net-zero ambitions and sustainable development goals, long-life infrastructure funds like Actis' are gaining more significance. By targeting operational efficiency, renewable energy assets, and strategic sectors like digital infrastructure and electricity transmission, Actis seeks to provide both financial return and positive impact in emerging markets.

With an investor-focused strategy, robust institutional backing, and a proven track record, Actis is set to expand its infrastructure platform and make valuable contributions to sustainable development in the world's most rapidly growing regions.