Africa Finance Corporation Raises Record US$2 Billion Syndicated Loan, Strengthening Infrastructure Development Across Africa

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a prominent provider of infrastructure solutions on the continent, has successfully secured a landmark US$2 billion syndicated loan. This achievement highlights significant global investor confidence in AFC’s ambitious plans to enhance integrated infrastructure and industrial platforms, which are pivotal for Africa’s economic advancement.

Loan Details and Global Participation

Initially launched at US$1.6 billion, the loan was increased to US$2 billion due to robust demand. The participation breakdown indicates a diverse international backing, with 35% from banks in the Asia Pacific region, 35% from Europe, 25% from the Middle East, and 5% from Africa. This broad support underscores AFC’s unique investment model and long-term strategic vision, particularly in a climate characterized by geopolitical uncertainties and market fluctuations.

Strengthening Financial Capacity

The new facility significantly bolsters AFC’s ability to invest in critical sectors and industrial ecosystems that drive trade, economic growth, and job creation. The Corporation’s financial stability is further affirmed by its increasing investment-grade credit ratings, which include an ‘A’ rating with a Positive Outlook from S&P Global Ratings, alongside A3 from Moody’s and A+ from Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR).

Strategic Vision for Africa’s Growth

Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, articulated that this transaction signifies a growing acknowledgment that Africa’s future growth will hinge on interconnected infrastructure systems rather than isolated projects. He emphasized that as global capital searches for resilient, long-term growth opportunities, AFC is strategically positioned at the forefront of Africa’s transformation, focusing on developing platforms that facilitate industrialization, job creation, and enhanced economic competitiveness.

Expansion Plans and Institutional Support

This financing milestone coincides with AFC’s expansion initiatives, including plans to establish its first regional office outside Lagos in Nairobi, announced during the recent Africa We Build Summit. The Corporation’s assets have now exceeded US$19 billion, with membership expanding to 48 African nations. This syndicated loan complements the increasing availability of African institutional funding, aligning with AFC’s mission to mobilize domestic pension capital for essential infrastructure projects, as outlined in the State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2026.

Leading Financial Institutions Involved

The debt facility was coordinated by major financial institutions, including Barclays, Commerzbank, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, and FirstRand Bank, which acted through its Rand Merchant Bank division as Global Coordinators and Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners. Other significant contributors included Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC, Bank of China (Johannesburg and London Branches), Emirates NBD, and several others, reflecting a wide-ranging commitment from international financial entities.

Confidence in AFC’s Mission

Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member and Head of Financial Services at AFC, remarked on the significance of closing the largest syndicated loan facility in the Corporation’s history amid a complex global landscape. He noted that the strong backing from a diverse group of international financial institutions reaffirms the ongoing investor confidence in AFC’s mission to deliver transformative infrastructure and industrial projects that have a lasting economic impact across Africa.

AFC was established in 2007 to catalyze pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments throughout Africa. The organization combines specialized industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address the continent’s infrastructure challenges.

Over the past 19 years, AFC has emerged as a preferred partner for high-quality infrastructure investments, providing essential services across key sectors such as power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. The Corporation has invested more than US$19 billion across 36 African countries since its inception.

For more information, visit www.AfricaFC.com.

Published on 2026-06-04 21:27:00 • By the Editorial Desk

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