The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a leading infrastructure solutions provider on the continent, has clinched the coveted title of “Financial Adviser of the Year” at the 2024 IJInvestor Awards. Recognized for its exceptional role in advancing transformative infrastructure projects across Africa, AFC outshone global competitors to secure the accolade during a gala event held in London on November 29, 2024.
The IJInvestor Awards annually recognize excellence in fundraising, investment deployment, and mergers and acquisitions within the energy and infrastructure sectors. AFC’s distinction in delivering customized financial and technical advisory services to African public and private sector clients earned it the “Financial Adviser of the Year” title. As the sole African nominee among global leaders, AFC’s achievements highlight its unique position in the industry and its role in advancing transformative projects across the continent.
During the judging period, AFC was an exclusive financial adviser on 24 projects valued at $18 billion, spanning critical sectors such as transportation, heavy industries, power, oil and gas, mining and telecommunications.
One notable achievement during the period was acting as exclusive financial adviser on a $250 million sub-financing package for the pan-African energy and infrastructure company, Sahara Group. AFC’s solution innovatively leveraged Sahara’s strong balance sheet to support its commitments under a landmark $3.3 billion crude oil-backed prepayment facility for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Founded in 2007, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) was designed to drive practical infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. By blending specialized industry expertise with financial and technical advisory services, project development, structuring, and risk capital solutions, AFC addresses critical infrastructure gaps and fosters sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Banji Fehintola, Executive Director and Head of Financial Services at AFC, attributed the victory to the team’s dedication, stating “We are deeply honoured to be recognised by IJInvestor, a testament to the exceptional talent of our Financial Advisory Services team and the strength of the tailored financial solutions we provide to trusted partners across Africa. This award reaffirms our commitment to unlocking Africa’s economic potential through transformational infrastructure projects that will usher the continent into a new era of prosperity.”
Fola Fagbule, Deputy Director and Head of Financial Advisory Services at AFC added: “Our work in Financial Advisory complements the broader array of Investments and Financial Services solutions that AFC deploys across the continent. As such, we are grateful to be recognised as the leading Financial Adviser in Africa and remain committed to offering strategic corporate finance and project advisory services to our partners.”
AFC’s financial advisory division offers tailored solutions to address the complexities of infrastructure development across Africa. By leveraging expertise in project finance, risk management, transaction structuring, and capital mobilization, the Corporation delivers comprehensive advisory services that complement its diverse investments and financial products. This holistic approach positions AFC as a trusted partner for sponsors and governments, empowering them to advance impactful infrastructure projects that drive sustainable development on the continent.
Over the past year, AFC has supported key infrastructure projects in nations such as Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These initiatives have significantly reduced Africa’s infrastructure deficit, generated thousands of local jobs, and enhanced energy access for millions, reinforcing AFC’s commitment to driving sustainable development across the continent. Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has invested over $13 billion across 43 member countries, solidifying its status as a leading partner for infrastructure financing in Africa.
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