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Afreximbank successfully prices its inaugural Samurai bonds, raising JPY81.3 billion comprising JPY 67.2 billion 5 regular tranches and JPY 14.1 billion 3-year Retail Samurai

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Afreximbank

Afreximbank successfully met its objective of achieving a benchmark transaction size of over JPY 30 billion and maximizing the size in longer tenors (up to 10 years)

TOKYO, Japan, November 14, 2024/APO Group/ — 

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has successfully priced its debut Samurai bond, securing a regular 5 tranche JPY 67.2 billion consisting of 2-year, 3-year, 5-year, 7-year and 10-year fixed rate tranches. Concurrently, the Bank launched its inaugural Retail Samurai bond with a 3-year fixed-rated tranche valued at JPY 14.1 billion. The bonds are rated ‘A-’ by Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. (“SMBC Nikko”) was the sole Lead Manager for the transaction.

The Transaction is significant for several key reasons:

Firstly, it represents the first Samurai bond offering by an African-based Multilateral Development Bank (“MDB”) paving the way for other issuers in the region to access the Japanese bond market including a regular Samurai market and also Japanese Samurai retail market. Secondly, this marks the first standalone credit Samurai bond issuance by an issuer from the Africa region since the 2008 global financial crisis. Thirdly, with this transaction, Afreximbank has attracted close to 150 orders (excluding Retail Samurai), which is a significantly larger number compared to other debut transactions ever. The primary goal of the transaction was to diversify Afreximbank’s investor base and markets, an objective that was successfully achieved.

We are very committed to the Samurai market, and we will continue to engage in regular investor activities every year to further expand our relationship in this market

Further, Afreximbank successfully met its objective of achieving a benchmark transaction size of over JPY 30 billion and maximizing the size in longer tenors (up to 10 years). Typically, debut issuers in the Japanese market often see demand centered on shorter tenors, such as 2-year bonds. In addition, the Retail Samurai bond that Afreximbank concurrently priced is the first Retail Samurai bond from the region.

Commenting on the transaction, Chandi Mwenebungu, Afreximbank’s Managing Director Treasury & Markets and Group Treasurer noted: “We are very pleased to have further diversified our financing resources and are excited to work with Japan and the Japanese investors. Since 2010, Afreximbank has established relationships with JBIC, NEXI and JICA, among others, and has maintained a strong relationship with other Japanese institutions. We have been in the Samurai loan market since 2017 and this time we are very happy to extend our footprints to the Samurai bond market as well. We are very committed to the Samurai market, and we will continue to engage in regular investor activities every year to further expand our relationship in this market.”

Prior to the transaction, Afreximbank conducted physical Samurai bond investor meetings in Tokyo in November 2023, September 2024 and virtual meetings in November 2024. These roadshows provided investors with a comprehensive understanding of Afreximbank’s overview, operating environment and public policy mandate. They also highlighted the Bank’s key privileges, such as preferred creditor treatment and immunities which are vital to fulfilling its mandate. The investor engagements culminated in the pricing of the Bank’s groundbreaking public format Samurai transaction on 14th November 2024.

The transaction attracted interest and orders from central institutional investors in Tokyo, and regional and small types of investors across Japan, alongside some interest from non-Japanese investors. To engage the Japanese regional investor base, Afreximbank secured a bond credit rating from Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. As a result, the Bank successfully raised JPY 62.2 billion (excluding the retail tranche) and attracted close to 150 orders. The bonds were placed across a wide spectrum of investors.

The distribution statistics of the Transaction across the tenors resulted in the following allocation – Asset Managers (34%), Other accounts across the country (21%), Regional banks (18%), Offshore accounts (16%), Life insurers (6%), and Central cooperatives (5%).

Meanwhile, in parallel to the regular Samurai transaction that targeted primarily institutional investors, Afreximbank priced a JPY14.1 billion Retail Samurai bond on the same date of 14 November 2024 with the same condition as the regular 3-year Samurai bonds (with a different closing date on 29 November 2024).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Energy

Venezuela Energy Week Confirms 19 August Date for Houston Industry Showcase

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Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August, convening U.S. energy leaders ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The organizers of Venezuela Energy Week (VEW) have confirmed that the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August 2026 at The Post Oak Hotel. Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the event will bring together U.S. energy companies, investors and policymakers to explore commercial opportunities ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas in February.

The showcase will feature Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao as a keynote speaker, providing an update on Venezuela’s energy priorities, investment agenda and opportunities for international partnership. Her participation underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening engagement with global industry as it seeks to expand production and unlock new upstream investment.

Bringing together exploration and production companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers, engineering firms, technology companies and financial institutions, the Houston Industry Showcase will examine opportunities across exploration, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and field development.

As Venezuela works to increase oil and gas production, demand is expected to grow for the technical expertise of U.S. service providers in drilling, well intervention, completion services, production optimization, artificial lift, digital oilfield technologies and infrastructure rehabilitation. Houston-based industry leaders – including SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford and a broad network of EPC contractors, equipment manufacturers and specialized service companies – are well positioned to support the modernization of mature fields, improve operational efficiency and deliver the technologies and services needed for future upstream projects.

The Houston event follows a successful Industry Showcase in London, which brought together international investors, operators and energy service companies to explore Venezuela’s evolving investment landscape. Building on that momentum, the Houston edition will deepen engagement with the U.S. energy industry and strengthen commercial dialogue ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027.

Venezuela Energy Week – the country’s largest energy investment platform to date – has been confirmed for 22–25 February 2027 in Caracas. Organized by Energy Capital & Power, the event will bring together government leaders, investors and industry stakeholders from across the global energy value chain.

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 19, visit https://apo-opa.co/4g0TncR. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery
Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4hkvteE).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Secures New Patent for Smart Stabilization System from Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

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The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org) is pleased to announce that the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has granted a new patent for its innovative Smart Stabilization System.

 

The patent was granted on 10 July 2026 under Singapore Patent No. 10202250873B for the invention titled “A Computer Network Stabilization System and Method.” The patent application was filed on 1 September 2022 and was formally granted following a comprehensive review process.

This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility. Leveraging sophisticated algorithms and advanced simulation models, the system is designed to anticipate supply and demand imbalances and implement programmable stabilization measures before they escalate into market disruptions.

Unlike traditional stabilization mechanisms that rely on capital reserves, buffer funds, or external interventions, the Smart Stabilization System introduces a next-generation framework for achieving autonomous market stabilization through proactive and programmed stabilization mechanisms. By incorporating distributed ledger technology and cryptographic trust mechanisms, the platform enhances transparency, trust, and operational resilience for digital asset and commodity markets.

The successful patent grant reflects IsDBI’s growing contribution to technological innovation and its commitment to developing knowledge-based solutions that address contemporary economic and development challenges.

Since filing the patent application back in 2022, the Institute has continued to advance the Smart Stabilization System through ongoing development and testing, aimed to expand its practical applications and support future capitalization opportunities. These advancements have positioned the system as a potentially transformative solution for enhancing stability and resilience in increasingly digital and interconnected economies.

Commenting on this occasion, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, said, “The grant of this patent by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore further strengthens the Institute’s position as a leader in developing innovative knowledge-based solutions that leverage modern technologies to address complex development challenges. This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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Liberia to Preview Next Oil & Gas Licensing Round Strategy at Houston Investor Day

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The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority will host operators, investors and partners in Houston on August 19 to preview future licensing opportunities and showcase the exploration potential of its offshore basins

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) will present its strategy for the country’s next offshore licensing round at Liberia Investor Day Houston on August 19, bringing together international exploration companies, investors, service providers and energy leaders to discuss the next phase of Liberia’s upstream development.

Hosted in partnership with Energy Capital & Power, the event will provide a platform for the LPRA, led by Director General Hon. Marilyn T. Logan, to outline Liberia’s regulatory framework, investment priorities and plans to attract new participation across the country’s offshore sector. Discussions will focus on upcoming licensing opportunities, exploration prospects and the subsurface data supporting future investment decisions.

Liberia’s offshore sector is entering a new phase of exploration activity, with renewed international participation and a growing pipeline of opportunities. Following the award and ratification of eight Production Sharing Contracts in 2025, Liberia has re-established itself as a frontier exploration destination, with international operators advancing work programs designed to further evaluate the country’s petroleum potential. TotalEnergies is progressing exploration activities that include offshore geochemical surveys, 3D seismic acquisition and seabed mapping, while Oranto Petroleum has also signed contracts to explore Liberia’s offshore.

At the Liberia Investor Day Houston, the LPRA will provide industry stakeholders with insight into the priorities shaping the next licensing round, including the anticipated process, qualification requirements, available acreage and access to technical data. The engagement will give prospective investors a clearer view of Liberia’s exploration landscape and the opportunities emerging across its offshore basins.

The event will also facilitate direct dialogue between LPRA and the global upstream community, connecting companies with policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in shaping Liberia’s next chapter of petroleum development.

As exploration companies continue to seek new frontier opportunities, Liberia Investor Day Houston will highlight the role of regulatory certainty, data availability and strategic partnerships in unlocking long-term investment across Liberia’s offshore sector.

Registration is now open for attendees. Companies interested in Liberia’s emerging offshore opportunities are invited to join LPRA, investors and upstream leaders in Houston for insights into the country’s licensing strategy and exploration outlook. For more information contact info@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

 

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