By Ayomide Otitoju
President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), has been announced as a key participant in the African Energy Chamber’s G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum, scheduled for November 21 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The forum brings together global investors, project developers, and African stakeholders to advance financing solutions aimed at transforming the continent’s energy sector.
Zubairu’s participation highlights the AFC’s ongoing commitment to scaling energy and mineral financing in Africa, opening new pathways for investment and development deals.
The AFC has established itself as a leading infrastructure financier on the continent, having invested $14 billion in projects across 36 African countries through loans, equity investments, and infrastructure support. These investments have contributed over $50 billion to Africa’s GDP and created seven million jobs across key industries.
In energy and infrastructure, the AFC serves as a vital partner for African project developers. Notable recent milestones include:
Ras Ghareb Wind Farm, Egypt: In October 2025, AFC-backed Infinity Power reached financial close on the 200 MW project, securing $153 million in senior debt, with operations expected to begin in 2027.
Angola Infrastructure Support: In July 2025, AFC closed and disbursed €75 million of an €85 million sovereign facility to fund the construction of 186 priority bridges and upgrades to the national road network, following Angola’s entry as an AFC shareholder.
Shariah-Compliant Commodity Murabaha Facility: AFC raised $400 million for African infrastructure in 2025, alongside successfully pricing a $500 million hybrid bond for continental projects.
African Multilateral Financial Institutions Infrastructure Financing Facility: Launched with the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD in October 2025, this initiative mobilizes $1.5 billion to enhance access to capital for strategic African infrastructure projects.
The AFC has also been instrumental in financing Africa’s mining sector, supporting projects critical to the continent’s role in the global energy transition. Key transactions include:
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, DRC: $150 million senior loan for Phase 3 expansion at Ivanhoe Mines.
Baomahun Gold Project, Sierra Leone: $330 million in senior debt financing alongside the African Export-Import Bank for FG Gold.
According to NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, “The AFC’s approach recognizes that Africa’s energy future cannot rely on a single source: it must be built on diversity, innovation, and local value creation. By financing gas-to-power, renewables, and mining projects, the AFC is strengthening energy security, attracting private capital, and laying the foundation for long-term economic resilience.”
As Africa seeks billions in investment to meet its energy transition and development goals, the AFC’s expertise in structuring and financing complex projects, mitigating risks, and catalyzing co-investment continues to position it as a cornerstone of the continent’s infrastructure financing ecosystem.
