AFC Raises $524 Million Dual-Currency Samurai Loan to Drive Infrastructure Growth Across Africa

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has secured a $524 million equivalent dual-currency Samurai term loan facility, reinforcing its mandate to accelerate sustainable development through critical infrastructure investment across Africa.

The Corporation disclosed the development in a statement seen by Technext, noting that the transaction represents AFC’s largest Samurai loan to date. It also underscores the growing confidence of Japanese investors in AFC’s credit strength and long-term development strategy.

Oversubscribed Facility Reflects Strong Japanese Investor Confidence

The three-year syndicated facility, which comprises $505 million and JPY 3 billion, was oversubscribed following robust demand from Japanese lenders.

“Japan continues to be an important and strategic market for AFC. The strong support from Japanese lenders in our latest Samurai loan underscores the depth of confidence in AFC and the trust we have built with investors over the past few years.

This successful transaction strengthens our funding base and expands our global investor reach as we continue mobilising capital to address the infrastructure deficit in Africa,”
— Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member and Head of Financial Services at AFC

AFC’s solid traction in Japan has been influenced by several strategic milestones, including:

• It’s 2019 debut Samurai loan,
• The 2023 guarantee of Egypt’s JPY 75 billion Samurai bond, and
• The A+ (Stable) long-term issuer credit rating awarded by the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) earlier this year.

AFC also successfully repaid its 2022 Samurai facility of $419 million equivalent, which matured in October 2025.

AFC’s Growing Footprint Across Africa

Since its establishment in 2007, the AFC has expanded its investment presence across Africa by financing high-impact, revenue-generating infrastructure projects aligned with regional integration and industrialisation goals. The Corporation now boasts 47 sovereign member countries, broadening diplomatic privileges and enhancing its capacity for on-ground project execution.

Recent new members, with increased engagement, include Benin, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Somalia.

Key Infrastructure Investments Across the Continent

AFC’s infrastructure portfolio spans energy, transport, and industrial assets across several African markets:

Ghana

Between 2014 and 2015, AFC served as a lead developer and investor in the $900 million Kpone Independent Power Project (Kpone IPP). The 350MW gas-powered facility significantly strengthened Ghana’s national grid and power supply stability.

Côte d’Ivoire

Since the early 2010s, AFC has invested in both transport and energy infrastructure, including:

• Financing the Henri Konan Bédié Bridge in Abidjan, supporting urban mobility and economic activity.
• Backing the construction of the 44MW Singrobo Hydropower Plant, a key project for expanding access to clean and reliable energy.

Strengthening Africa’s Infrastructure Financing Landscape

The successful $524 million Samurai loan strengthens AFC’s capital base at a time when Africa faces a multibillion-dollar infrastructure financing gap. With growing global investor confidence, especially from Japan, the Corporation remains well-positioned to scale transformative projects that accelerate economic diversification and sustainable growth across the continent.