Africa Finance Corporation Closes Record US$1.5 Billion Syndicated Loan, Its Largest-Ever Facility

 

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the leading infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, has successfully closed its largest-ever debt facility, a landmark US$1.5 billion syndicated loan. This transaction, a milestone in the Corporation’s history, attracted a diverse consortium of new and returning lenders spanning the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Originally launched at US$1.3 billion, the three-year facility, proceeds of which will be used for general corporate purposes, attracted strong demand, bringing in new lenders including Bank of Communications, Burgan Bank, Export Development Bank of Egypt, and Hua Nan Bank. This underscores robust investor appetite for Africa’s infrastructure growth opportunities through strategic partnerships with highly reputable institutions like AFC.

This facility enhances AFC’s financial capacity and further broadens its network of strategic partners, reinforcing the Corporation’s mission to catalyse infrastructure-driven economic growth and industrial development across Africa. By leveraging its solid credit profile, AFC secured more favourable pricing compared to its US$1.16 billion Syndicated Term Loan Facility which closed last year.

Demonstrating AFC’s deep connections with the international capital markets, the syndication was led by an exceptional group of global arrangers including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC, Commerzbank AG and Standard Chartered Bank as Global Coordinators and Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners. Bank of China Limited (London Branch), First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, Mashreqbank PSC, MUFG Bank, Ltd., FirstRand Bank Limited, acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division (London Branch), State Bank of India (DIFC Branch), The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, Société Générale, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (London Branch) all served as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners. Additionally, Standard Chartered Bank acted as documentation agent whilst First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC acted as facility agent.

“This landmark transaction reinforces AFC’s standing as a trusted institution in the global capital markets and demonstrates our ability to mobilise capital at scale for Africa,” said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member and Head of Financial Services of AFC. “It strengthens our role in bridging Africa’s infrastructure needs with global capital and accelerates our mission to drive rapid industrialisation and unlock the continent’s full economic potential.”

This year, AFC has further diversified its funding base, securing long-term financing from development finance institutions, bilateral lenders, and commercial banks. The Corporation recently secured an AED 937.50 million Sustainability-Linked Term Loan Facility, deepening its financial ties with the UAE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile: +234 1 279 9654
Email: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org 

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 46 member countries and has invested over US$15 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

www.AfricaFC.org