By Emmanuel Oluebube, Correspondent UK and  Kingsley I. Ilechukwu, Correspondent Lagos

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the leading infrastructure solutions provider on the continent, has received a US$100 million credit line from the Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) to develop the critical infrastructure required to rebuild Africa’s economies in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Proceeds from the 10-year loan will support AFC’s continued mission to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap and drive the sustainable economic growth that’s urgently required on the continent. India Exim Bank, the sovereign export credit agency of India, has actively sought opportunities to co-finance projects in Africa through credit lines to support infrastructure development. The AFC draws capital from a diverse range of international investors and lenders as part of its strategy to maintain Africa’s second highest investment grade credit ratings.

“As part of our mandate, India Exim Bank continues to foster a network of alliances and institutional linkages with multilateral agencies like Africa Finance Corporation, who have a strong credit profile and are at the forefront of changing the development landscape in Africa,” said  Deputy Managing Director of India Exim Bank, Harsha Bangari. “We look forward to broadening the relationship between our institutions for the economic benefit of Africa.”

India Exim Bank provides credit lines to national governments, regional financial institutions, commercial banks and other overseas entities as part of its strategy to develop global partnerships.

AFC’s President and CEO, Samaila Zubairu said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has set back Africa’s growth trajectory and compounded its development challenges. We at AFC, continue to execute our mandate to address Africa’s infrastructure needs, working with leading development partners such as India Exim Bank. These strategic partnerships help mobilise the urgently needed capital to rebuild Africa post-pandemic, with more resilient and sustainable infrastructure across key sectors including renewable energy, transportation and telecommunications.”

In June 2021, Africa Finance Corporation received a boost to its credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service, which raised the outlook on its A3 rating to “stable”. The Corporation’s unique access to global capital markets, drives development, integrates Africa’s economies, and transforms lives on the continent.