Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has successfully raised a record US$2 billion syndicated loan, exceeding its initial target of US$1.6 billion after strong demand from international lenders prompted an increase in the facility size.
The funding will support AFC’s efforts to expand investments in critical infrastructure and industrial projects aimed at boosting trade, economic growth and job creation across the continent.
The transaction underscores growing investor confidence in AFC, whose asset base has grown beyond US$19 billion while its membership has expanded to 48 African nations.
Banks from multiple regions participated in the financing, with institutions from the Asia-Pacific and European markets each accounting for 35% of commitments. Lenders from the Middle East contributed 25%, while African banks provided the remaining 5%.
According to Samaila Zubairu, the successful fundraising reflects increasing recognition that Africa’s future growth will be driven by interconnected infrastructure systems spanning energy, transport, logistics, industry and technology rather than standalone projects.
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The financing comes as AFC continues to expand its continental footprint. The institution recently announced plans to establish its first regional office outside Lagos in Nairobi, a move unveiled during its flagship Africa We Build Summit.
AFC also continues to maintain strong credit credentials, holding an A/A-1 rating with a positive outlook from S&P Global Ratings, an A3 rating from Moody’s and an A+ rating from the Japan Credit Rating Agency.
The syndicated facility was arranged by Barclays, Commerzbank, First Abu Dhabi Bank and FirstRand Bank (Rand Merchant Bank), which acted as global coordinators, mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners for the transaction.
