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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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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).

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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IsDBI

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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