Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has once again been recognized for its exceptional contributions to Africa’s financial and capital markets, receiving six prestigious awards at the Global Banking&Markets Africa Awards 2025. These awards were presented during the Bonds, Loans&ESG Capital Markets Conference in Cape Town, highlighting AFC’s pivotal role in driving sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.
Award-Winning Transactions:
1. Quasi-Sovereign/GRE Treasury&Funding Team of the Year:
AFC’s Treasury and Funding team was honored for its expertise in structuring innovative financing solutions that attract global capital to African infrastructure projects. Notable accomplishments include securing a US$400 million Shariah-compliant Commodity Murabaha facility and a groundbreaking US$1.16 billion syndicated loan, expanding AFC’s global investor base. Additionally, AFC achieved top-tier credit ratings from S&P Global Ratings and China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd.
2. Syndicated Loan Deal of the Year: Bank of Industry EUR 1.87bn Syndicated Loan:
As the Global Coordinator, Lead Co-Arranger, Underwriter, Bookrunner, and Guarantor, AFC spearheaded a record-breaking €1.87 billion syndicated loan for Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BOI). This transaction, BOI’s largest capital raise to date, supports trade-related projects and showcases AFC’s ability to navigate complex global markets.
3. West Africa Deal of the Year: Federal Government of Nigeria USD 917mm Bond:
AFC played a key role in the successful issuance of a US$917 million domestic dollar bond for the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN). With a five-year tenor and 9.75% coupon, the bond garnered significant investor interest, including local and diaspora Nigerians and institutional investors.
4. Securitization Deal of the Year: BUA Industries US$200mm Securitization:
AFC structured a US$200 million corporate finance facility for BUA Industries Limited, supporting the company’s expansion across various industries. This financing, provided by Afreximbank, underscores AFC’s commitment to unlocking capital for African businesses and fostering sustainable growth.
5. Financial Institutions Bond Deal of the Year: Ecobank Transnational USD 400mm Senior Bond:
AFC played a pivotal role as Joint Lead Manager in the successful pricing of Ecobank Transnational’s US$400 million 10.125% bond. This bond, maturing in 2029, marks the first public Sub-Saharan African Eurobond issued by an African bank since 2021.
6. Quasi-Sovereign/GRE Bond Deal of the Year: US$500mm Reg S / 144A Senior Unsecured Bond:
AFC returned to the global debt capital markets with a US$500 million 144A/Reg S Eurobond issuance, showcasing robust investor confidence in AFC’s creditworthiness.
AFC’s President and CEO, Samaila Zubairu, expressed gratitude for the recognition of AFC’s innovative financing solutions that drive sustainable development across Africa. Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member&Head of Financial Services at AFC, highlighted AFC’s role as a trusted partner in African and global capital markets.
As AFC continues to expand its presence in global markets, the corporation remains committed to delivering high-impact infrastructure projects that promote industrialization, intra-African trade, and economic diversification.
For media inquiries, please contact Yewande Thorpe, Communications at Africa Finance Corporation. Founded in 2007, AFC is dedicated to catalyzing infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa, driving sustainable economic growth. With a focus on essential infrastructure sectors, AFC has invested over US$15 billion in 36 African countries, becoming the partner of choice for high-quality infrastructure assets in the region. Visit www.AfricaFC.org for more information.
