Africa’s premier infrastructure financier, the Africa Finance Corporation( AFC) has raised a record US$2 billion syndicated loan, marking one of the largest funding transactions in the institution’s history and signaling growing international confidence in Africa’s long-term infrastructure and industrialization agenda.
The oversubscribed facility was initially launched at US$1.6 billion before being increased to US$2 billion following strong demand from lenders across Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The transaction comes at a time when global markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions, higher interest rates and shifting investment flows.
The deal strengthens AFC’s firepower to finance transformative projects across energy, transport, logistics, manufacturing and digital infrastructure—sectors increasingly viewed as critical to unlocking Africa’s economic potential and competitiveness.
“This transaction reflects growing recognition that Africa’s next phase of growth will be driven not by isolated projects, but by integrated infrastructure systems,” said Samaila Zubairu, AFC’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
The landmark fundraising underscores AFC’s emergence as one of the continent’s most influential development finance institutions. The corporation’s assets have surpassed US$19 billion, while its membership has expanded to 48 African countries. AFC recently announced plans to establish its first regional office outside Lagos in Nairobi, reflecting its expanding continental footprint.
Investor confidence has also been bolstered by AFC’s strong credit profile. Earlier this year, the institution secured an ‘A’/A-1 rating with a Positive Outlook from S&P Global Ratings complementing its longstanding A3 rating from Moody’s Ratings and A+ rating from the Japan Credit Rating Agency.
Analysts say the successful syndication highlights a growing appetite among global investors for African infrastructure assets that offer long-term returns linked to economic development.
AFC has increasingly focused on developing industrial ecosystems rather than standalone projects, combining power generation, transport corridors, logistics hubs and manufacturing zones to create sustainable growth platforms.
The financing was coordinated by major international banks including Barclays,Commerzbank,First Abu Dhabi Bank and Rand Merchant Bank.
“This is a defining milestone,” said Banji Fehintola. “The strong support from international financial institutions reaffirms investor conviction in AFC’s mission to deliver transformative infrastructure and industrial projects with lasting economic impact across Africa.”
As African governments seek capital to bridge an infrastructure financing gap estimated at more than US$100 billion annually, AFC’s record-breaking loan signals that global investors remain willing to back credible institutions capable of translating infrastructure investment into trade, jobs and economic growth.