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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the leading infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, has successfully closed its largest-ever debt facility, a landmark US$1.5 billion syndicated loan. This 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 US$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. This underscores robust investor appetite for Africa's infrastructure growth opportunities through strategic partnerships with highly reputable institutions like AFC.

This 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. By leveraging its solid credit profile, AFC secured more favourable pricing compared to its US$1.16 billion 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. Additionally, Standard Chartered Bank acted as documentation agent whilst First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC acted as facility agent.

“This 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,” said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member and Head of Financial Services of AFC. “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.”

This year, AFC has further diversified its funding base, securing long-term financing from development finance institutions, bilateral lenders, and commercial banks. The Corporation recently secured an AED 937.50 million Sustainability-Linked Term Loan Facility, deepening its financial ties with the UAE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile: +234 1 279 9654
Email: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org 

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC's approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa's infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 46 member countries and has invested over US$15 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

www.AfricaFC.org

By Ajong Mbapndah L, Managing Editor Pan African Visions (www.PanAfricanVisions.com)  

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by environmental demands, technological advances, geopolitical dynamics, and changing consumer patterns. In light of supply chain vulnerabilities, climate change, and growing energy inequality, the conventional model, which is centered on fossil fuels and centralised infrastructure, is no longer viable. These pressures have seen a global shift in priorities, reflected in the scale and direction of energy investment.

Overall investment will reach an all-time high of $3.3 trillion in 2025, with clean energy technologies drawing in $2.2 trillion (http://apo-opa.co/42DZCO3) - double that invested in oil, gas, and coal. This reflects a positive shift toward climate goals, investment in renewables, and a growing focus on energy security. At the same time, fossil fuels continue to supply around 80% of global primary energy, highlighting their ongoing role in meeting current demand and supporting economic stability during the transition. The simultaneous growth of renewables and continued reliance on hydrocarbons presents a unique opportunity: to shape a balanced energy future that accelerates decarbonisation while ensuring access, reliability, and affordability. For Africa, this is a significant imperative that can unlock progress across sectors. Despite being home to 20% of the world's population, Africa receives only 3% of global energy investment. Over 600 million people remain without access to electricity, and over 1 billion cook with unsafe fuels (http://apo-opa.co/4o0iu1T). These figures reflect barriers to education, healthcare, and economic growth and development. At the same time, the region boasts some of the world's most abundant renewable energy resources, ranging from the Sahel's solar corridors to wind-abundant shores and emerging green hydrogen centres in Namibia, South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco. Natural gas is also proving to be a reliable and scalable transition fuel in Africa, helping bridge the gap between current energy needs and a cleaner future.

The global energy transition is progressing at different paces across the world. Europe is moving quickly, driven by geopolitical tensions and ambitious climate goals that have accelerated the transition to renewables. Asia, China, and India in particular, are investing significantly in solar power, hydrogen technologies, and electric transport and positioning themselves to become a dominant force in clean energy technology. This global momentum offers valuable lessons and partnerships for Africa as it charts its own path toward a more inclusive and sustainable energy future.

Developing nations, on the other hand, face a more complex scenario. Fossil fuels continue to dominate most energy needs. Through 2025, it is estimated that 52% of African investments in energy will be directed towards hydrocarbons (http://apo-opa.co/3KqkjGO), which are crucial for funding essential services such as infrastructure development, education systems, and healthcare delivery.

Africa's future energy path must be pragmatic. Exiting too rapidly from fossil fuels would undermine progress and deepen poverty. Instead, the continent should transition toward a phased and balanced approach that derives value from existing resources while stepping up investment in renewables and clean technologies.  Instead, the continent needs a phased transition; one that leverages existing resources like natural gas, a powerful and preferred transition fuel, while scaling up investment in renewables and clean technologies. This aligns with the "just transition" principle, considering different starting points and capacities in regions.

The continent has a chance not only to improve access to energy but also to play a bigger role in the global energy market. The timing is right. Solar power is now one of the most affordable ways to produce electricity in many countries, thanks to a 90% drop in costs over the past decade. Battery technology is improving, making renewable energy more reliable. These developments show that Africa can be a key supplier, not just a user, of clean energy in the years ahead.

But funding remains a major challenge. Servicing debt will absorb 85% of the entire energy investment in Africa in 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/3Ksq4DR), limiting the ability to start new projects.

To overcome these obstacles, Africa needs concerted support through concessionary financing, risk-sharing mechanisms, and regulatory reform. Institutions of public and development finance must play a key role, especially to serve impoverished areas and new technologies.

Ultimately, energy transitions are not a matter of choosing between fossil fuels and renewables. It is about managing change in a responsible manner. Africa cannot be expected to forgo the resources driving its growth. Instead, it needs to be empowered to adopt a balanced path; one that brings secure energy now and sustainable prosperity tomorrow.

Furthermore, the global energy transition of the world will be successful only if it involves all. Africa's energy future is central to the world realising its ability to develop a resilient, low-carbon energy system. The choices made today will not only shape the continent's trajectory but also the collective global future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Pan African Visions.