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Over $370 million secured in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction deals at Afreximbank’s Lagos workshop

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Afreximbank

More than 180 participants, representing EPC companies, financial institutions, law firms and government agencies from West Africa as well as Egypt, Angola and Uganda, were in attendance

LAGOS, Nigeria, November 14, 2024/APO Group/ — 

During the recently held African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) Intra-African Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) workshop in Lagos participants formalised business deals totalling over US$370 million, a significant step towards empowering African contractors.

The deals, signed during the workshop held in Lagos on 28 October, included a US$300-million Global facility agreement to Hassan Allam of Egypt, a US$45-million term sheet to Pavifort Construction of Sierra Leone and a US$25-million term sheet to Afric Cement of Burkina Faso.

Organised to help address the significant gap in Africa’s infrastructure spending, currently standing at over $100 billion annually, which is traditionally awarded to non-African contractors, the workshop brought together key stakeholders to explore transformative solutions to empower African contractors to compete for and secure large-scale projects within the continent.

Addressing the participants, Ayman El-Zoghby, Director, Trade and Corporate Finance Unit in Afreximbank’s Intra-African Trade Bank, said that the Bank was actively working to address the infrastructure gap by empowering local contractors to take more prominent roles in large-scale projects. He said Afreximbank, had launched the Afreximbank-EPC Tenders Platform to connect contractors with project opportunities while offering them critical financial support throughout project lifecycles.

According to Mr. El-Zogby, Afreximbank is dedicated to enhancing local content through skills development, technology transfer and fostering of partnerships between African and international firms as an essential step for strengthening Africa’s contractor base and achieving long-term, self-sustained infrastructure growth.

In addition, recognizing the role of sub-sovereign governments in enabling trade and investment, Afreximbank was engaging with government entities to better understand their specific needs, educate them on providing stable environments and supporting debt strategies in order to provide African contractors with stronger negotiation power and credibility on the global stage, he added.

This workshop underscores our commitment to transforming Africa’s infrastructure landscape by empowering local contractors to lead in major projects

“This workshop underscores our commitment to transforming Africa’s infrastructure landscape by empowering local contractors to lead in major projects. By equipping African firms with the financial, technical and risk management tools necessary to compete effectively, we are not only closing the infrastructure gap but also fostering sustainable economic growth, job creation and regional integration which will strengthen Africa’s position in the global EPC market,” Mr. El-Zogby explained.

Mr. Moctar Mando, Chairman, COGEB Group International noted: “I am grateful to Afreximbank for their trust and support. This signing marks a significant milestone for COGEB Group International in its diversification strategy, centred on complementary activities. This financing is dedicated entirely to the construction of the AFRIC CEMENTS cement plant which will help strengthen my Group’s leadership within its ecosystem.”

Mr. Alimu Sanu Barrie, Chief Executive Officer Pavifort Al Associates noted: “The EPC Workshop empowered us to appreciate the challenges indigenous African companies face and Afreximbank’s interventions in solving these challenges through financing, capacity building and networking. We are extremely grateful to the Bank for the signed Term-Sheet of $45 million. The funds will boost the infrastructural and economic development of Sierra Leone and greatly enhance the capacity of our company.”

Eng. Mahmoud El Essawy – Managing Director – Hassan Allam Construction (Egypt) noted: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Afreximbank for its unwavering support in addressing the infrastructure financing needs of Africa. The $200 million facility extended to Hassan Allam Holding, recently increased by an additional $100 million, has been instrumental in supporting our efforts to undertake key projects that promote economic growth and resilience. As we navigate the challenges in the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) sector across the continent—such as regulatory complexities, financing gaps, and the need for sustainable practices, Afreximbank’s commitment to facilitating essential funding stands as a testament to their vision for a prosperous Africa. Their support not only empowers us as a group but also strengthens the entire ecosystem needed to meet Africa’s infrastructure demands.”

Panellists speaking at the event explored financing solutions, strategies for enhancing local content and opportunities to reshape Africa’s infrastructure landscape among other key themes.

More than 180 participants, representing EPC companies, financial institutions, law firms and government agencies from West Africa as well as Egypt, Angola and Uganda, were in attendance.

The event was also graced by representatives of the Lagos State Government, members of the diplomatic corps, officials of the Nigeria Customs Service and several business leaders. Key outcomes included the audience’s familiarization of the EPC Platform, designed to connect African contractors with project opportunities, and the signing of EPC-related deals worth over $370 million, underscoring the workshop’s role in fostering partnerships and financial engagement across the continent, which was followed by a lively post-event business networking session. The event highlighted Afreximbank’s ongoing commitment to enhancing local content and capacity building, setting a strong foundation for future workshops and strategic initiatives aimed at advancing the African construction sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Leads up to €2 Billion Syndicated Facility in Largest-Ever Global Loan Syndication for Bank of Industry

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Africa Finance Corporation

The transaction is a record global loan syndication for BOI, and marks the largest capital raise in its history, setting a new standard for developmental finance across Africa

LAGOS, Nigeria, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today announced its role as Global Coordinator, Lead Co-Arranger, Underwriter, Bookrunner, and Guarantor in the successful syndication of an up to €2 billion facility for Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigeria’s largest and most impactful development finance institution. The transaction is a record global loan syndication for BOI, and marks the largest capital raise in its history, setting a new standard for developmental finance across Africa.

Proceeds of the facility will be used for general corporate purposes including to finance trade and trade related projects of eligible corporates in Nigeria. The facility was syndicated at two levels with AFC, Standard Chartered Bank, African Export-Import Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, FirstRand Bank Limited, acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division (London Branch), Mashreqbank PSC, SMBC Bank International PLC, Absa Bank (Mauritius) Limited, Absa Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking division) and Export-Import Bank of India London Branch acting as part of a senior syndicate, together raising an initial €1.43 billion. Following this, AFC led a general syndication, through which an additional €447 million was raised, bringing the total transaction to €1.9 billion, representing an oversubscription of 87%. The facility is expected to further grow to €2 billion.

This landmark global loan syndication is significant for Nigeria and BOI, as the institution was able to successfully tap the international capital market at a time when credit is scarce and prohibitively expensive. It also highlights market confidence in BOI and AFC as leading financial institutions, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation between African financial institutions. 

This successful syndication is a significant milestone achievement, not only for BOI but for Africa’s financial landscape as a whole

“This successful syndication is a significant milestone achievement, not only for BOI but for Africa’s financial landscape as a whole. We are proud to have played a central role in this historic global loan syndication, solidifying AFC’s position as a trusted bridge between global investors and infrastructure projects in Africa,” said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board member & Head of Financial Services at AFC. “Our sincere appreciation also goes to our Joint Coordinator and partner Standard Chartered Bank and all other banks that participated in making this transaction a huge success,” he added.

“This financing, the sixth international capital raising for BOI, is the largest fundraising in our history and the largest syndication in the history of African development finance institutions. A key constant in achieving this success is the continued support of our international funding partners, including AFC. We are grateful for the unique role that AFC played to make this transaction a success,“ said Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director of BOI.

As part of the syndication, AFC leveraged its A3 (stable outlook) investment-grade rating, recently affirmed by Moody’s, to bring together an international consortium of financial institutions. The transaction aligns with the Corporation’s mission to provide pragmatic solutions that close the continent’s infrastructure gap, accelerate industrialisation, and enhance Africa’s economic resilience against global economic challenges.

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

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Board Accepts Carlos Tavares’ Resignation as Chief Executive Officer

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Stellantis

The process to appoint the new permanent Chief Executive Officer is well under way, managed by a Special Committee of the Board, and will be concluded within the first half of 2025

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ —

  • Creation of Interim Executive Committee to be chaired by John Elkann
  • New CEO will be appointed in the first half of 2025
  • Full year 2024 financial guidance confirmed

Stellantis’ success since its creation has been rooted in a perfect alignment between the reference shareholders, the Board and the CEO

Stellantis N.V. (“Stellantis” or “the Company”) (www.Stellantis.com) announces that the Company’s Board of Directors, under the Chairmanship of John Elkann, accepted Carlos Tavares’ resignation from his role as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

The process to appoint the new permanent Chief Executive Officer is well under way, managed by a Special Committee of the Board, and will be concluded within the first half of 2025. Until then, a new Interim Executive Committee, chaired by John Elkann, will be established.

Stellantis confirms the guidance it presented to the financial community on October 31, 2024, in respect of its full year 2024 results.

Stellantis’ Senior Independent Director, Henri de Castries, commented: “Stellantis’ success since its creation has been rooted in a perfect alignment between the reference shareholders, the Board and the CEO. However, in recent weeks different views have emerged which have resulted in the Board and the CEO coming to today’s decision.”

Chairman John Elkann said: “Our thanks go to Carlos for his years of dedicated service and the role he has played in the creation of Stellantis, in addition to the previous turnarounds of PSA and Opel, setting us on the path to becoming a global leader in our industry. I look forward to working with our new Interim Executive Committee, supported by all our Stellantis colleagues, as we complete the process of appointing our new CEO. Together we will ensure the continued deployment of the Company’s strategy in the long-term interests of Stellantis and all of its stakeholders.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.

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Shakwa Nyambe Ranked as a Highly Regarded Lawyer for Oil and Gas in Namibia by IFLR1000 2024 Rankings

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Shakwa Nyambe

IFLR1000 is an internationally esteemed guide that ranks leading lawyers and firms based on their expertise and impact across practice areas

WINDHOEK, Namibia, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Shakwa Nyambe, the Managing Partner of SNC Incorporated (www.SNCLawGroup.com), has been recognised as a Highly Regarded Lawyer for Oil and Gas in Namibia by the IFRL1000 rankings of 2024. He is specifically recognised for his exceptional work in the practice area of Projects: Energy, with a focus on the Oil and Gas industry, further cementing his reputation as a world-renowned Energy, Oil and Gas, Natural Resource and Commercial Lawyer.

IFLR1000 is an internationally esteemed guide that ranks leading lawyers and firms based on their expertise and impact across practice areas. Being ranked as a Leading Lawyer for Oil and Gas by this global institution places Shakwa among the most influential individuals in Namibia’s Oil and Gas sector and highlights his invaluable contributions to the field.

Shakwa Nyambe’s recognition is a reflection of his understanding of the complexities of the Oil and Gas industry and his ability to provide innovative solutions to clients navigating the challenges of this sector. As the Managing Partner of SNC Incorporated, a full-service energy, natural resources, corporate & commercial law and dispute resolution law firm, Shakwa has built a legacy of excellence in the legal and commercial sectors. His experience encompasses, advising international corporations, state-owned enterprises, governments, and individuals in oil & gas, renewable energy, and mining projects, and provision of legal services in matters ranging from mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and corporate governance to project financing as well as rendering advisory services on general commercial matters.

To be acknowledged as a Highly Regarded Lawyer by IFLR1000 in Namibia for my work in Energy and Oil & Gas is a profound honour

Shakwa is the President-Elect of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) for the period 2024 – 2025 and will take over the Presidency for the period 2025 – 2026. His qualifications include, amongst others, a Master of Laws (LLM) in Oil and Gas Law with Professional Skills from the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom, a Postgraduate Diploma in Drafting and Interpretation of Contracts from the University of Johannesburg and an Executive Diploma in Global Business (Master’s Level) from the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

His expertise and strategic guidance have made him the go-to advisor for international oil companies, energy companies, mining companies. multinational corporations and local entities engaged in Namibia’s energy development.

This acknowledgment comes at a critical moment for Namibia, as the country is emerging as a significant player in the global energy market, driven by transformative discoveries in the Orange Basin by major international companies. Shakwa’s legal and strategic leadership has been instrumental in helping stakeholders capitalize on these opportunities while ensuring compliance with Namibia’s regulatory landscape.

Commenting on the rankings, Shakwa Nyambe stated, “To be acknowledged as a Highly Regarded Lawyer by IFLR1000 in Namibia for my work in Energy and Oil & Gas is a profound honour. It reflects not just my efforts but the dedication of the team at SNC Incorporated and the trust of our clients. This motivates me to continue raising the bar for legal and business excellence in Namibia’s oil and gas sector.”

As a globally recognized thought leader, he frequently engages in high-level dialogues on energy, corporate and resource law, sharing insights that shape policy and practice in Namibia and internationally.

As Namibia continues its rise as a frontier oil and gas producer, Shakwa Nyambe exemplifies excellence, driving the sector forward with vision, expertise and an unwavering commitment to his clients.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SNC Incorporated.

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