Africa Finance Corporation Celebrates Landmark LSE Listing

Monday, March 10, 2025

Par Inafrika Reporter

LONDON, United Kingdom, – Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the continent’s foremost infrastructure solutions provider, marked a historic milestone with its first listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The achievement was commemorated with a prestigious Market Close ceremony, underscoring AFC’s instrumental role in mobilizing global capital to drive Africa’s economic transformation.

This momentous occasion follows two landmark transactions in the international capital markets: AFC’s oversubscribed US$500 million senior unsecured 5-year Eurobond issued in October 2024 and its pioneering US$500 million perpetual hybrid bond issued in January 2025. These transactions reinforce investor confidence in AFC’s robust credit profile and its commitment to funding high-impact infrastructure projects that serve as catalysts for Africa’s economic development.

In conjunction with the ceremony, AFC participated in a strategic roundtable hosted by the LSE in partnership with Africa Practice, a leading advisory firm. The discussion, titled “Unpacking the Africa Risk Premium: Costs, Causes, and Mitigation Strategies,” convened top-tier investors, banks, and credit rating agencies to explore how risk perceptions impact the cost of capital for African borrowers. The session sought to advance solutions that correct global market mispricing and improve Africa’s access to competitive financing.

Following the roundtable, AFC’s leadership and key stakeholders took center stage in the Market Close ceremony. The event featured the presentation of a commemorative glass tablet and the signing of the LSE’s prestigious Welcome Book, symbolizing AFC’s deepening integration with the global financial ecosystem.

Reflecting on the milestone, Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, remarked: “Closing the market at the London Stock Exchange is a testament to AFC’s growing stature as a bridge between global investors and Africa’s immense growth potential. Our discussions underscored the urgent need to reshape risk perceptions, unlock more efficient financing, and accelerate the development of critical infrastructure—the foundation for Africa’s industrialization and economic integration.”

Dame Julia Hoggett DBE, CEO of the London Stock Exchange plc, echoed this sentiment, stating: “We were honored to welcome AFC to the London Stock Exchange and to recognize their commitment to advancing Africa’s infrastructure agenda. AFC’s landmark transactions exemplify the power of innovative financing solutions and highlight the essential role of London’s capital markets in directing investment towards sustainable economic growth across Africa.”

AFC continues to strategically diversify its funding base, reinforcing its financial capacity to support Africa’s infrastructure transformation. In addition to its recent bond issuances, AFC successfully secured a US$400 million Shariah-compliant Commodity Murabaha Facility, further bolstering its liquidity for critical projects across the continent. Furthermore, the Corporation achieved top-tier AAAspc credit ratings from S&P Global (China) and AAA from China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd., paving the way for capital market expansion in China.

With a steadfast focus on innovation and impact-driven financing, AFC remains at the vanguard of Africa’s infrastructure investment landscape. By harnessing global capital markets, the Corporation is ensuring that Africa’s development aspirations are met with sustainable and scalable financial solutions, positioning the continent for long-term economic prosperity.