Infrastructure solutions provider, Africa Finance Corporation, has successfully closed its largest-ever debt facility, a $1.5 billion syndicated loan.
According to a statement from the AFC, the 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 $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, underscoring robust investor appetite for Africa’s infrastructure growth opportunities.
The Executive Board Member and Head of Financial Services of AFC, Banji Fehintola, said the 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.
He said, “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.”
Fehintola stated that the 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.
He explained that by leveraging its solid credit profile, AFC secured more favourable pricing compared to its $1.16bn 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.
Moreover, Standard Chartered Bank acted as documentation agent, whilst First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC acted as facility agent.
The Corporation recently secured an AED 937.50m Sustainability-Linked Term Loan Facility, deepening its financial ties with the United Arab Emirates.