Africa Finance Corporation Secures 13 Awards for Transformative Infrastructure Transactions Across Africa
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a key player in the continent’s infrastructure sector, has achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving 13 prestigious awards at the recent EMEA Finance Awards. This recognition highlights AFC’s significant contributions to advancing energy security, connectivity, industrialization, and long-term capital mobilization across Africa.
Notable Transactions Recognized
Among the standout projects honored were AFC’s financing initiatives for the Dangote Refinery, which is recognized as the world’s largest single-train refining complex. This investment is pivotal for enhancing energy security in Africa. Other notable projects included the Kano-Maradi railway, a vital transport corridor connecting Nigeria and Niger, and the Cabeolica wind and battery storage project located in Cape Verde. The awards also acknowledged AFC’s financial support for Nigeria LNG and Côte d’Ivoire’s road development program. Additionally, AFC’s innovative capital markets activities were recognized, including its inaugural sustainability-linked loan, a US$500 million perpetual hybrid bond, and Angola’s first ¥40 billion Samurai bond, which is guaranteed by AFC. Furthermore, AFC was named Best Borrower in EMEA, reflecting its robust market access and diverse funding capabilities.
Expanding Role in Infrastructure Development
The accolades received by AFC underscore its growing influence in the development and financing of integrated infrastructure essential for economic growth across Africa. The awards serve as a testament to the Corporation’s status as a global borrower, showcasing its innovative funding solutions within international capital markets and the increasing confidence investors have in its creditworthiness, strategic vision, and commitment to long-term development.
Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, emphasized the Corporation’s philosophy that prosperity is a deliberate outcome. He stated that it results from intentional decisions to align capital, infrastructure, industry, and markets in ways that foster job creation, retain value within African economies, enhance competitiveness, and promote economic sovereignty. He noted that the awards reflect the potential for progress when long-term capital, strategic partnerships, and disciplined execution converge on transformative projects. Zubairu acknowledged the dedication of AFC’s teams and partners, as well as the growing trust of global investors in Africa’s capacity to deliver the necessary infrastructure and industrial ecosystems for sustainable growth.
Awards Overview
Project Finance Awards
AFC received several accolades in the Project Finance category, including:
- Best Chemical Deal: Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals’ revolving club working capital, bridge, and supply chain financing.
- Best Infrastructure Deal: Côte d’Ivoire’s 540km road development and improvement project.
- Best Natural Gas Deal: Nigeria LNG’s corporate term loan and revolving credit facility aimed at supporting cleaner energy projects.
- Best Natural Resources Deal: FG Gold’s Baomahun gold mine project in Sierra Leone.
- Best Power Deal: Aksa Enerji’s 250MW combined-cycle gas power plant in Senegal.
- Best Rail Deal: Kano–Maradi 378km railway project in Nigeria.
- Best Wind Farm: Cabeolica wind farm and battery storage expansion project in Cape Verde.
EMEA Achievement Awards
In addition to the Project Finance Awards, AFC was recognized in several categories at the EMEA Achievement Awards:
- Best Borrower in EMEA: AFC Treasury & Funding Team.
- Best Supranational Syndicated Loan: US$1.5 billion syndicated loan.
- Best Sustainability Loan in EMEA: AED937.5 million debut sustainability-linked loan.
- Best Supranational Islamic Facility: US$400 million Commodity Murabaha facility.
- Best Supranational Bond: US$500 million perpetual hybrid bond.
- Best Samurai Bond: Angola’s ¥40 billion debut issuance.
About Africa Finance Corporation
Established in 2007, AFC has positioned itself as a catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. The Corporation combines specialized industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, development, and risk capital to address the continent’s infrastructure deficits and challenging operating environments.
Over the past 19 years, AFC has become the partner of choice for high-quality infrastructure investments, delivering essential services in key sectors such as power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. With 48 member countries, AFC has invested over US$19 billion across 36 African nations since its inception.
For more information, visit AFC’s official website.
Published on 2026-06-23 13:21:00 • By the Editorial Desk
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