Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the continent’s foremost infrastructure solutions provider, has reinforced its leadership in Africa’s financial sector by claiming six prestigious awards at the Global Banking & Markets Africa Awards 2025, held during the Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Conference in Cape Town. These accolades celebrate AFC’s outstanding contributions to Africa’s capital markets, showcasing its instrumental role in facilitating high-profile, transformative transactions that promote economic development and sustainable growth across the region.
Award-Winning Transactions
AFC’s recognition spans a variety of major transactions, further cementing its position as a trusted partner in mobilizing capital for African infrastructure. The standout achievements include:
Quasi-Sovereign/GRE Treasury & Funding Team of the Year
AFC’s Treasury and Funding team was honored for its exceptional ability to structure innovative financing solutions, successfully attracting global capital to African infrastructure projects. The team’s highlights include the closure of a groundbreaking US$400 million Shariah-compliant Commodity Murabaha facility and a landmark US$1.16 billion syndicated loan that expanded AFC’s global investor base. These transactions were pivotal in securing top-tier credit ratings from prestigious agencies such as S&P Global and China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd (CCXI).
Syndicated Loan Deal of the Year: Bank of Industry EUR 1.87bn Syndicated Loan
As Global Coordinator, Lead Co-Arranger, Underwriter, Bookrunner, and Guarantor, AFC orchestrated the record-breaking €1.87 billion syndicated loan for Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BOI). This deal, BOI’s largest capital raise to date, is set to finance critical trade-related projects. Earlier this month, the deal was also recognized with multiple awards, including Guarantor of the Year and Market Innovation Award at the IJGlobal Awards, as well as African Deal of the Year at the Global Capital Syndicated Loan Awards.
West Africa Deal of the Year: Federal Government of Nigeria USD 917mm Bond
AFC served as Global Coordinator for the inaugural domestic dollar bond issuance by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), raising US$917 million with an impressive 180% oversubscription. The bond, offering a five-year tenor and 9.75% coupon, attracted a diverse array of investors, from local and diaspora Nigerians to institutional investors. It was also successfully listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and FMDQ Securities Exchange.
Securitization Deal of the Year: BUA Industries US$200mm Securitization
AFC played a pivotal role in structuring a US$200 million corporate finance facility for BUA Industries Limited. The facility, provided by Afreximbank, supports BUA’s expansion across a diverse set of industries, including cement, sugar, flour, oil processing, and real estate. This achievement marks AFC’s second successful advisory mandate for BUA Group, highlighting its commitment to unlocking capital for African businesses and fostering economic growth.
Financial Institutions Bond Deal of the Year: Ecobank Transnational USD 400mm Senior Bond
AFC’s role as Joint Lead Manager in the successful pricing of Ecobank Transnational’s US$400 million bond, with a 10.125% coupon, reflects the Corporation’s ongoing support for financial institutions raising capital. This deal marks the first public Sub-Saharan African Eurobond issued by an African bank since 2021.
Quasi-Sovereign/GRE Bond Deal of the Year: US$500mm Reg S / 144A Senior Unsecured Bond
AFC’s return to the global debt capital markets with a US$500 million Eurobond was met with overwhelming investor demand, achieving an oversubscription rate of more than two and a half times the book size. The five-year note, with a 5.55% coupon, saw a record-tight T-spread for AFC, reflecting robust investor confidence in its creditworthiness.
AFC’s Commitment to Africa’s Economic Growth
Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “We are deeply honored by these awards, which acknowledge AFC’s relentless pursuit of innovative financing solutions that drive sustainable development across Africa. These achievements are a testament to our team’s expertise and dedication as we continue to mobilize capital for transformational infrastructure projects across the continent. I would also like to extend my thanks to our investors, partners, and all involved in making these successes possible.”
Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member & Head of Financial Services at AFC, added, “These awards underscore AFC’s pivotal role as a trusted partner in African and global capital markets. They also highlight the hard work and collective efforts of our Treasury, Funding, and Capital Markets teams, whose unwavering commitment is driving Africa’s financial landscape toward growth and stability.”
As AFC continues to expand its influence in global capital markets, the Corporation remains steadfast in its mission to unlock investment for high-impact infrastructure projects that promote industrialization, intra-African trade, and economic diversification, ultimately contributing to Africa’s long-term prosperity.
