Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the leading infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, has announced the successful close of its largest ever debt facility, a US$1.16 billion syndicated loan, attracting new lenders from the Middle East, Europe and Asia, in its efforts to bridge Africa’s yawning infrastructure gap.
A news report from the African Press Organization (APO) Group circulated for the Corporation disclosed that the latest transaction, commemorated at an event in Dubai last night, is seen by investment experts as signifying a milestone in AFC’s unwavering commitment to develop critical infrastructure projects across the continent by enhancing its financial flexibility and diversifying its investor base.
According to the online medium, the deal also represents a testament to AFC’s appeal in global capital markets and the Corporation’s pivotal role in fostering economic growth and industrialisation in Africa, leading international financial institutions including First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, Mashreqbank PSC, MUFG Bank and Standard Chartered collectively acted as Global Coordinators, with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (London Branch) acting as China Coordinator. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC, Emirates NBD Bank PJSC, Mizuho and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation acted as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners.
Additionally, Bank of China and Société Générale S.A acted as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers.
Initially launched at US$1 billion, the three-year syndicated loan was upsized after being oversubscribed by 49%, underscoring global investor confidence in AFC’s track record, creditworthiness, and its ability to navigate the current economic landscape marked by evolving global complexities.
Proceeds from the loan will be deployed to advance AFC’s mission to consistently deliver fast and sustainable solutions to close Africa’s infrastructure gap and unleash the continent’s potential, leading to prosperity for all Africans.
Commenting on the deal, AFC’s President/CEO, Samaila Zubairu, said: “The global loan market’s overwhelming interest in Africa’s growth story is evident in the large pool of lenders that supported this syndication, making it AFC’s largest ever.
‘’This is a significant endorsement of our commitment to ensure that infrastructure projects support local processing and value capture, thereby providing the much needed impetus to African industrialisation, enhanced export earnings and job creation”, Zubairu added.
AFC’s position as the pre-eminent partner of choice between African and global stakeholders and investors for mutually beneficial outcomes reflects the Corporation’s relentless dedication to shaping a brighter and prosperous tomorrow for Africa and Africans.
Financial institutions including Société Générale, Bank Muscat and Intesa Sanpolo Bank Luxembourg S.A. joined the syndicate as first-time lenders, showcasing AFC’s ability to build a global coalition of investors confident in the Corporation’s strong fundamentals as one of the highest investment-grade institutions in Africa.
On the back of its A3 credit rating by Moody’s, AFC has made significant strides in diversifying its funding sources in recent years. In 2023, the Corporation orchestrated a US$625 million syndicated loan, its second largest, with lenders predominantly from the Middle East and Asia. AFC also secured a US$350 million long-term line of credit from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and a EUR50 million loan facility agreement with the Italian development finance institution, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA (CDP). Both agreements were signed on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai. Additionally, the Corporation received a US$400 million from the Exim Bank of China.
