The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a leading provider of infrastructure financing on the continent, has obtained a $524 million equivalent dual-currency Samurai term loan facility, further strengthening its mission to deliver sustainable infrastructure projects across Africa.
According to a statement shared with Technext, the deal represents AFC’s biggest Samurai loan to date, highlighting growing confidence from Japanese investors in the Corporation’s financial stability and long-term vision.
Investor Demand Drives Oversubscription
The three-year syndicated loan, made up of $505 million and JPY 3 billion, was oversubscribed following strong interest from Japanese financial institutions.
“Japan remains a vital and strategic market for AFC. The solid support from Japanese lenders in this latest Samurai loan reflects the strong relationships we’ve built and the confidence investors have in our performance.
This milestone enhances our funding base and broadens our global investor network as we continue raising capital to close Africa’s infrastructure gap,”
— Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member & Head of Financial Services, AFC
AFC’s growing influence in Japan has been driven by several key achievements, including:
- Its first Samurai loan in 2019,
- A 2023 guarantee for Egypt’s JPY 75 billion Samurai bond, and
- Receiving an A+ (Stable) issuer rating from the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) earlier in the year.
The Corporation also fully repaid its 2022 Samurai facility of $419 million equivalent, which matured in October 2025.
Expanding AFC’s Continental Presence
Since its inception in 2007, AFC has widened its reach across Africa by investing in transformational, revenue-enhancing infrastructure projects that promote regional integration and industrial growth. The Corporation now counts 47 African countries as sovereign members, enhancing its diplomatic presence and enabling deeper operational engagement.
Recent additions to its membership include Benin, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Somalia.
Major AFC Infrastructure Projects in Africa
AFC continues to invest heavily in energy, transportation, and industrial assets across various African nations.
Ghana
Between 2014 and 2015, AFC acted as lead developer and investor in the $900 million Kpone Independent Power Project (IPP). The 350MW gas-powered plant played a major role in strengthening Ghana’s national grid and improving electricity reliability.
Côte d’Ivoire
Since the early 2010s, AFC has financed multiple projects in the country, including:
- The Henri Konan Bédié Bridge, which eased urban mobility in Abidjan and boosted economic activity.
- The 44MW Singrobo Hydropower Plant, aimed at increasing access to clean, renewable energy.
Enhancing Africa’s Infrastructure Funding Capacity
The successful closure of the $524 million Samurai facility reinforces AFC’s ability to mobilise capital at a time when the continent faces a significant infrastructure financing shortfall. With increasing backing from global investors, particularly in Japan, the Corporation is better positioned to drive transformative projects that support economic diversification and long-term development across Africa.
