In a world where wealth, mobility and opportunity are increasingly borderless, Optiva Capital Partners has emerged as Africa's leading force in investment immigration and global wealth retention services. In an exclusive media interactive session with select editors, Chairman of Optiva Capital Partners, franklin lowlyShared insights on the company's remarkable journey, its strategic global partnerships and its bold vision for the future of investment immigration and wealth retention. zebulon agomuoHere are excerpts from those who were at the session:
Optiva Capital Partners has been widely described as Africa's leader in investment immigration. What does leadership in this space mean to you and how has Optiva earned this position?
Leadership in investment immigration goes beyond market share or brand visibility. For me, this means setting the standard in an ethical, professional and impactful way for how African families can build global reach and financial independence through legitimate, compliant channels. Optiva earned this leadership through three things: Integrity in execution – We are 100% transparent with customers and program partners. Expertise and Structure – Our advisory model integrates immigration, wealth retention and global investment advice under one roof. Impact at scale – We've helped thousands of African families gain second citizenship, educational opportunities for their children, and access to global healthcare and business ecosystems. Our leadership is not claimed; It is earned daily through trust, compliance, and tangible change.
What was the original vision behind Optiva and how has it evolved over the years?
When we started Optiva, our vision was clear – to help African families access global opportunities that few once had. We wanted to bust the myth that global mobility and wealth preservation were “foreign” privileges. Over time, the vision evolved from “immigration investment” to “lifestyle and generational wealth solutions”. Today, we not only help clients obtain a passport; We help them build legacies – with global investing, education planning, wealth diversification and wealth management. We have become a trusted bridge between African aspiration and global opportunity.
In practical terms, how has Optiva transformed the lives of its customers across Africa?
The stories are endless – and intensely personal. We have seen: Families who once struggled with visa restrictions are now traveling freely for business or medical treatment. Parents whose children now study at top global universities under the Citizenship-by-Investment programme. Entrepreneurs who diversified their assets across stable economies, protecting them from currency fluctuations. Beyond the numbers, the change is psychological and generational – consumers now see themselves as global citizens with the freedom to live, invest and retire anywhere in the world. This is real change – financial empowerment and global dignity.
Optiva is recognized for its strong global partnerships. What do these partnerships look like and how do they give you an edge?
Our partnerships are not just business arrangements; They are a strategic alliance built on mutual trust and shared values.
We work directly with governments, investment agencies, real estate developers and licensed program administrators in Europe, the Caribbean, North America and the Middle East. This gives Optiva three key benefits: Access – direct information and early access to new investment immigration programs. Speed and Assurance – We process client applications with the confidence that comes from direct government relationships. Diversification – Our clients benefit from a global menu of options from Caribbean citizenship to European residency and real estate investment in Dubai. These partnerships are the backbone of our leadership – and they are built on years of trust and professionalism.
How do you ensure credibility and compliance when dealing with foreign governments and program administrators?
Compliance is not negotiable. Optiva operates with the same due diligence standards as any top global financial institution. We maintain a strong compliance framework: Know Your Customer and anti-money laundering processes aligned with international best practices. Collaboration only with licensed program promoters and government-approved channels, and continuous staff training on global regulatory standards. We believe that credibility is not built through advertising – it is built through discipline, documentation and transparency.
In a space where trust is critical, how does Optiva maintain its reputation for integrity and transparency?
Trust is our strongest currency. We guard it jealously. Every Optiva customer knows exactly what they are paying for, what is legally required, and what is possible – no hidden clauses, no inflated promises. We maintain an open door policy towards both customers and regulators. Internally, we foster a culture of ethical leadership – every team member understands that one misrepresentation can undo years of credibility. In short, we don't just sell programs – we sell peace of mind.
Optiva has recently entered real estate investment in Dubai. What was the thinking behind this expansion?
Our expansion into Dubai real estate was both strategic and visionary. Dubai represents a global investment hub where African investors can participate safely and profitably. We saw that many of our clients wanted not only residency or citizenship, but also solid asset-backed investments in stable markets. Real estate in Dubai offers strong capital appreciation, rental income and global reputation. It's a natural extension of what we do: helping Africans build wealth and identity without borders.
How do real estate opportunities complement investment immigration solutions?
They walk together. Today many immigration programs – from Portugal to the United Arab Emirates to the Caribbean – are linked to property. By combining the two, we create an integrated wealth pathway: you secure a global home (real estate); You acquire rights of residence or citizenship, and you diversify your assets internationally. It is about moving from “migration of people” to “migration of prosperity”.
What types of real estate opportunities in Dubai are most attractive to African investors today?
African investors are attracted to mid-luxury and off-plan developments – properties that combine affordability, high yield and long-term appreciation. We focus on strategic areas such as Business Bay, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek Harbour. These are liquidity, rental demand and future bullish positions. Optiva also works directly with top-tier developers – ensuring our customers buy with credibility, not guesswork. For us, it's not just selling assets – it's about creating safe and profitable global assets for our clients.
How is the demand for investment immigration in Africa changing, and what trends do you see shaping the future?
Demand is accelerating – and evolving. Five years ago, most customers wanted a “Plan B” passport for travel convenience. Today, the inspiration has expanded to include education planning, asset diversification and global entrepreneurship. The trend is towards structured, money-driven mobility – Africans are no longer seeking to migrate; They are looking for expansion. In the future, I see Africa becoming a net participant in global capital and citizenship – not just a beneficiary. And Optiva will be at the forefront of that change.
What message would you give to Africans who see second passports as “out of reach” or only for the elite?
That mindset is changing – and we're proud to be part of that change. A second passport is no longer a luxury; It is a strategic tool for personal and financial growth. Through our flexible plans, structured payment options and advisory guidance, Optiva democratizes access to global citizenship. My message is simple: don't think of it as a passport; Think of it as a platform – for your kids, your business, and your freedom.
Finally, what is your long-term vision for Optiva Capital Partners and its role in Africa's global integration?
Our long-term vision is to make Optiva the continent's leading platform for global wealth mobility. We want every African family to find a trusted partner in Optiva – for citizenship, for investment, for financial planning and for legacy building. We consider ourselves part of Africa's rebranding story: from aid recipients to global investors. Optiva will continue to lead that narrative – with professionalism, reliability and heart. We are not just selling passports; We are helping Africans gain a stake in the global future.
