What if the key to real estate success in Africa lies not in bidding wars for prime land, but in the art of uncovering the dormant potential of neglected plots? Youssouf Carius, CEO of Pulsar Partners, has turned this conviction into a rigorous method that transforms overlooked land into portfolio jewels. Here’s how he achieves this transformation.

The challenge: Seeing gold where others see wasteland

In an Ivorian market where competition for “prime land” drives up prices, Youssouf practices strategic nonconformity. His premise: value isn’t always where everyone rushes. The real challenge lies in systematizing the identification and valuation of undervalued assets while mastering the operational and land tenure risks that deter most investors.

The expert: The pan-african strategist with multiple hats

Formerly Chief Economist then Vice President at Bloomfield Investment Corporation, Youssouf Carius co-founded Pulsar Partners in 2016. Moving beyond pure finance, he quickly pivoted to operations by creating two complementary entities: the investment fund Pulsar Capital and the construction company Korlink. This integrated structure allows him to control the entire value chain, from land identification to turnkey project delivery.

His Method: Process rationalization

• Demanding prospecting: He systematically seeks land with a “history”: old buildings, prior land transferany clue reducing legal risk. This approach sometimes leads him to acquire a dilapidated structure at a higher price than vacant land, considering legal security his primary insurance.
• Visionary analysis: His team maps future urbanization, acquiring land based on public projects announced within a 10 km radius and their future accessibility. The investment strategy is based not on what the land is today, but on what it will become in 5 to 10 years.
• Data-driven valuation: The selling price of properties is never a simple reflection of cost. It is determined by a precise analysis of the target profile: income, borrowing capacity, and accessible financing range. Each project is calibrated to perfectly match this market reality.
• Operational execution: Through Korlink, he masters construction with extreme granularity, tracking every box of nails and meter of cable. This advanced rationalization compresses costs and enables rental yields of 15-17%, where the market generally plateaus at 8%.

The Result: From vacant land to urban gem

This methodology transforms unattractive plots into sought-after eco-districts or residences. By internalizing construction via Korlink, Youssouf bypasses external developer margins and injects this value directly into the performance of the Pulsar Capital fund. The result is a virtuous circle: investors satisfied with superior returns and a tangible contribution to the urban development of Côte d’Ivoire.

From theory to action: This investment philosophy is just the tip of the iceberg. In his exclusive case study, “How Youssouf Carius transforms neglected land into profitable real estate projects in Côte d’Ivoire” he unveils his most refined techniques: land due diligence, financial modeling to convince banks, and managing exit clauses to reassure institutional investors.

• If you are ready to change your perspective on land and master the art of valuation, access his case study on ENTOURAGE+.
• If you wish to go further and adapt his method to your projects, book a session with Youssouf Carius on Entourage to discuss your challenges and your trajectory in Africa one-on-one.