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Africa Finance Corporation’s year of impact sees major expansion of projects and investment

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Africa Finance Corporation

Underpinning robust growth in earnings and total assets, AFC successfully navigating the global geopolitical, inflationary and debt distress challenges of 2023 to implement critical infrastructure projects across multiple sectors

LAGOS, Nigeria, April 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), Africa’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has announced its most impactful year to date, with unprecedented expansion of projects and investments spanning energy, transportation, mining, food, textiles and climate resilience.

Underpinning robust growth in earnings and total assets, AFC successfully navigating the global geopolitical, inflationary and debt distress challenges of 2023 to implement critical infrastructure projects across multiple sectors that are central to Africa’s structural transformation and sustainable development.

Landmark initiatives include Djibouti’s first wind farm, with AFC as lead developer advancing plans to become the first African country wholly reliant on renewable sources for energy, and the Lobito Corridor rail project, with AFC again as lead developer working alongside the US, European Union and governments of Angola, DRC and Zambia to mobilise industry and connect the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Advancing industrialisation, value creation and livelihoods, AFC with its partner Arise IIP expanded the Arise Special Economic Zones to 10 West and Central African countries, focusing on essential sectors including food security, textiles and minerals.

“At the heart of AFC’s mission is our commitment to deliver impactful solutions for Africa, and this guides each and every investment we undertake,” said Samaila Zubairu, AFC’s President and CEO. “AFC’s impact is evident in our solutions-oriented approach and unwavering commitment to realising transformative projects across Africa—infrastructure projects like the Red Sea Power Wind Farm in Djibouti, the Arise IIP industrial zones and the Lobito transport corridor that are reshaping the landscape, fostering sustainable development for local communities, and altering the economic trajectory of countries.”

Created through powerful international collaborations, AFC projects undertaken in 2023 also include a joint initiative with Xcalibur Multiphysics to advance the mapping and responsible utilisation of Africa’s natural mineral resources, enabling greater mineral beneficiation, diversified economies, and clean energy transition. In DRC, the Corporation has committed to helping overhaul Kinshasa’s mass transit system to enhance mobility and reduce pollution through a partnership with Trans Connexion Congo.

A historic commitment of US$253 million from the Green Climate Fund to the AFC Capital Partners’ Infrastructure Climate Resilient Fund (ICRF) marked a significant step toward developing sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure in Africa.

At the heart of AFC’s mission is our commitment to deliver impactful solutions for Africa, and this guides each and every investment we undertake

Each initiative blends meaningful development impact and environmental sustainability with strong risk-adjusted returns, leveraging AFC’s unique experience of de-risking project development to crowd in capital and accelerate completion.

“In a year marked by global economic and geopolitical complexities, AFC has stood as a beacon of resilience, delivering value to all stakeholders while creating jobs and prosperity through structural transformation across Africa,” said Mr. Zubairu. “Our robust financial results reflect AFC’s unwavering commitment to unlock practical solutions for projects that enhance local value capture and spur industrialisation.”

AFC’s annual profit rose 15.3% to US$329.7 million, while operating income increased 24.2% to US$497.5 million, and total assets expanded 17.3% to US$12.34 billion, surpassing the Corporation’s 5-year strategy target by US$2.3 billion.

Further significant financial highlights include:

  • Return on average equity at 11.0% (2022: 12.1%)
  • Net interest income up 31.3% to US$430.5 million (2022: US$327.9 million)
  • Total comprehensive income up 14.6% to US$327.0 million (2022: US$285.3 million)
  • Capital adequacy ratio increased to 34.5% (2022: 34.3%)

AFC’s high-profile exit from the Atlantic Terminal Port in Takoradi, Ghana, through a sale to major global ports operator Yilport exemplified strategic divestment.

The Corporation expanded its presence with three new member states—Ethiopia, Burundi, São Tomé and Príncipe—bringing the total to 43. Six new sovereign shareholders were also onboarded, including Turk Eximbank becoming the first non-African shareholder. Equity investments in addition from the governments of Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Botswana, Cameroon’s Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale (CNPS), and SBM Capital Market Securities Ltd. in Mauritius helped increase AFC’s total equity by 26.7% to US$3.42 billion.

Debt market transactions further broadened AFC’s investor base with significant global financial institutions participating in a record US$625 million syndicated loan, supported by a 62% oversubscription. The Corporation also received a US$350 million line of credit from the African Development Bank and a €50 million facility from Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, showcasing the Corporation’s ability to attract regional and international institutions.

“As AFC charts its course to further elevate our impact across the continent, we remain deeply appreciative of the unwavering support of our stakeholders and the dedication of our team, whose passion drives our mission forward,” said Mr. Zubairu. “With a refreshed strategic agenda emphasizing balanced portfolio growth, innovative financing, and enhanced operational capacity, AFC is well-positioned to shape a robust future for African infrastructure and development.”

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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