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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) receives AAA rating from China Chengxin, as the Corporation positions for further diversification in funding sources

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1 year ago

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Africa Finance Corporation

The AAA rating from CCXI affirms the Corporation’s intrinsic financial strength and disciplined approach to risk management

LAGOS, Nigeria, January 13, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has received an AAA domestic credit rating with a stable outlook from China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd (CCXI). The milestone rating enables AFC to deepen its engagement in China’s vast domestic debt capital markets. It positions the Corporation to tap a new pool of investors and further diversify its funding sources to accelerate industrialisation and critical infrastructure development across Africa.

“As a leading MDB in the region, AFC has clear strategic positioning and the ability to achieve its established goals,” CCXI analysts concluded in a report. “AFC implements a sound risk management framework and maintains a prudent risk appetite. Furthermore, its insured loan portfolio effectively mitigates the credit risk of its projects.”

“Receiving an AAA credit rating from CCXI is another significant endorsement of AFC’s strong credit profile and a defining moment in AFC’s capital-raising strategy,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC. “This recognition at the highest level validates our financial resilience, robust governance, and global reach, and will enable stronger ties with Asian markets to drive essential investment in economic development, high-value job creation, and Africa’s prosperity.”

“Among various funding options, AFC intends to explore its first panda bond issuance in the near term. This credit rating positions the Corporation to further engage with the Chinese bond investor base in 2025 and beyond. This initiative also underscores AFC’s commitment to leveraging global financial markets to support transformative infrastructure projects,“ said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member and Head, Financial Services of AFC.

The AAA rating from CCXI affirms the Corporation’s intrinsic financial strength and disciplined approach to risk management. In 2023, AFC delivered remarkable financial results, posting a 15.3% increase in profits to US$329.7 million, and a 17.3% rise in total assets to US$12.3 billion. This surpassed AFC’s strategic target of US$10 billion in assets. The Corporation’s capital position, as measured by its Basel II ratio, remained robust at 34.5% in 2023, further demonstrating the strength of its balance sheet. Liquidity Coverage Ratios (LCR) stood at 161% under a normal scenario and 143% in a stress scenario, underscoring the robustness of AFC’s financial health.

Receiving an AAA credit rating from CCXI is another significant endorsement of AFC’s strong credit profile and a defining moment in AFC’s capital-raising strategy

Speaking to the strength of AFC’s financial performance, CCXI analysts noted: “AFC successfully achieved its strategic indicators during the 2019-2023 period. Over the five years, the average return on capital rose from approximately 7% to 12%, while total assets increased substantially, growing from about US$4.5 billion at the end of 2018 to US$12.3 billion at the end of 2023.”

Moreover, AFC’s ability to consistently expand its membership base highlights its role as a key player in African development. The CCXI report concluded: “Since its establishment in 2007 with just two founding member states, AFC has consistently outpaced other African MDBs in attracting new member states. Between 2023 and June 2024, AFC welcomed new member states, including The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, The Republic of Burundi, The Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, and The Kingdom of Swaziland.”

AFC has “expanded its investments and influence across key sectors such as energy, mining, transportation and industry,” CCXI’s analysts wrote, “which have bolstered its presence in the pan-African region and advanced its contributions to climate action and energy transition initiatives.”

“Notable projects” cited include the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, transforming the region’s energy landscape; ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), fostering industrialisation across Africa; and Infinity Energy, Africa’s leading renewable energy platform.

AFC enjoys significant support and collaboration with Asian financial institutions. In 2024, the Corporation secured a landmark US$1.16 billion syndicated loan, with pivotal roles played by Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) London Branch. Among multiple funding transactions in 2023, AFC also received a five-year loan facility from The Export-Import Bank of China (CHEXIM) aimed at enhancing trade finance and supporting private sector projects.

The expanding presence illustrates AFC’s strategic focus on strengthening partnerships and collaboration to advance high-impact, sustainable development outcomes through its role as a vital bridge between Africa’s infrastructure needs and the vast opportunities within global capital markets.

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

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

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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Debate

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.

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

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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CLG

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.

 

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

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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ITFC

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).

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