Africa Finance Corporation Secures Record US$524 Million Samurai Loan

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) announced a landmark achievement with a record US$524 million dual-currency Samurai term loan facility. This marks AFC's largest Samurai loan to date, highlighting the corporation's expanding presence in Japan's capital markets. The facility, consisting of US$505 million and JPY 3 billion, saw strong demand and was significantly oversubscribed by Japanese lenders.

The success of this transaction builds on previous milestones, such as AFC's 2019 debut Samurai loan and the 2023 guarantee of Egypt’s Samurai Bond. Recently, AFC was awarded an A+ (Stable) credit rating by the Japan Credit Rating Agency. This strategic move underlines AFC's intention to address Africa’s infrastructure deficit by broadening its global investor reach.

The arrangement of the facility was led by Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, and SMBC Bank International. Several new institutions, including Bank of Taiwan and The Chiba Bank, joined as lenders. The funds will be used for general corporate purposes, supporting AFC's mandate for sustainable infrastructure investment across Africa.