Connect with us

Business

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Assigned A+ Rating with Stable Outlook by Japan Credit Rating Agency, Strengthening Access to Asian Capital Markets

Published

7 months ago

on

Moody’s

The Japan Credit Rating Agency’s A+ rating reflects AFC’s continued demonstration of solid capital adequacy

TOKYO, Japan, July 16, 2025/APO Group/ –Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has been assigned a long-term Issuer credit rating of A+ with a stable outlook by Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd (JCR). This rating will enable AFC to continue growing its footprint in Asian capital markets.

“The credit rating reflects AFC’s leading role in infrastructure development in Africa, the strong support from its member states and shareholders, the benefits of Preferred Creditor Status (PCS), its conservative financial policy, and its strong capital base,” JCR  stated in its  report.“ AFC employs diverse funding channels, including Eurobond issuance in international capital markets; borrowing from MDBs such as the African Development Bank, PROPARCO, DEG/FMO, KFW group, Export-Import Bank of China, Korea Development Bank, etc.; and financing from African, Chinese, European, Indian, Japanese and Middle Eastern private financial institutions.”

The Japan Credit Rating Agency’s A+ rating reflects AFC’s continued demonstration of solid capital adequacy, maintaining a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 33.6% and improving its Cost-to-Income Ratio to 17.3% in FYE2024. In 2024, AFC delivered remarkable financial results, posting a 22.8% increase in revenue to surpass US$1 billion for the first time, as well as a 16.7% rise in total assets to US$14.41 billion. Liquidity buffers remain well above prudential thresholds, with a liquidity coverage ratio of 194% under normal conditions and 191% on a stressed basis, underscoring AFC’s resilience.

JCR’s rating decision supports the Corporation’s ability to secure competitive borrowing costs. This financial strength underpins AFC’s ability to deliver transformational infrastructure projects across power, natural resources, transport and logistics, heavy industry, telecommunications, and technology—driving industrialisation and job creation across the continent. A notable example is the Lobito Corridor, where AFC serves as lead developer. Positioned to become one of Africa’s most strategic economic arteries, the corridor will connect Angola’s Port of Lobito on the Atlantic coast to Zambia through modernised rail infrastructure, enhancing regional trade, unlocking mineral value chains, and catalysing cross-border economic integration.

It reinforces our position as a reliable institutional partner for Japan and a key driver of Africa-Japan cooperation

Other key AFC transactions include a US$150 million investment in the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex—Africa’s largest and one of the world’s most sustainable copper producers and leading the commercial financing of a €381.5 million package for the engineering, procurement, and construction of 186 bridges and critical upgrades to Angola’s road network, which will improve connectivity and boost regional trade.

Leading Japanese financial institutions—Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation have been critical partners supporting AFC on its journey of transforming Africa, participating in multiple funding transactions including bilateral, syndicated and Samurai facilities. This partnership has extended beyond AFC’s own capital-raising efforts to broader support for African issuers. A notable example is the Arab Republic of Egypt’s inaugural Samurai Bond, where AFC acted as re-guarantor and SMBC served as guarantor, facilitating a successful JPY 75 billion private placement.

“Amidst a challenging global macroeconomic backdrop, this endorsement by JCR affirms AFC’s financial strength and credibility, enhancing our ability to mobilise competitively priced capital for transformative infrastructure projects across Africa,” said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member & Head, Financial Services at AFC. “It reinforces our position as a reliable institutional partner for Japan and a key driver of Africa-Japan cooperation.”

“In the challenging business environment, with increasing geopolitical instability in some African countries, AFC’s role in advancing infrastructure development in Africa as an MDB established by African countries is becoming more important, and support from member states and shareholders is expected to strengthen,” JCR analysts said, commending the Corporation. “AFC conducts appropriate risk management in the challenging business environment in Africa, ensuring strong profitability and building a sound financial structure. AFC has established risk management policies for various risks associated with its operations, including credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, assets and liabilities management (ALM) risk, and environmental/social policy risks,” they further reported.

Some of AFC’s landmark funding initiatives include the successful issuance of its US$500 million perpetual hybrid bond, the closing of a US$400 million Shariah-compliant Commodity Murabaha, and leading Nigeria’s inaugural domestic dollar bond issuance, which raised over US$900 million, with an oversubscription rate of 180%. These transactions underscore the Corporation’s innovative approach to capital markets, diversifying funding sources and enhancing its ability to finance transformational infrastructure projects across Africa.

For the full statement from Japan Credit Rating Agency, please click here (https://apo-opa.co/46j2eU9). 

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

Home  Facebook

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Events

As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

Published

2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

Continue Reading

Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

Published

2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

Continue Reading

Business

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

Published

2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version