Jump to navigation

Vol 67 No 12

Published 12th June 2026


Samaila Zubairu – the AFC’s dealmaker in chief

The African Finance Corporation’s US$2 billion syndicated loan on 4 June – the largest in the AFC’s 17-year history – marked the latest success in President and Chief Executive Samaila Zubairu’s drive to transform the institution from a Nigeria-focused investment arm into a genuinely pan-continental player. The AFC had initially sought $1.6bn but increased the target to $2bn due to strong demand. New interest is coming from banks in China, Hong Kong and South Korea, which Zubairu has identified as heavyweight investors. They accounted for around 35% of participating lenders, matching the share from European banks, while lenders from the Gulf and wider Middle East provided another 25%.

The Africa Finance Corporation’s US$2 billion syndicated loan on 4 June – the largest in the AFC’s 17-year history – marked the latest success in President and Chief Executive Samaila Zubairu’s drive to transform the institution from a Nigeria-focused investment arm into a genuinely pan-continental player. The AFC had initially sought $1.6bn but increased the target to $2bn due to strong demand. New interest is coming from banks in China, Hong Kong and South Korea, which Zubairu has identified as heavyweight investors. They accounted for around 35% of participating lenders, matching the share from European banks, while lenders from the Gulf and wider Middle East provided another 25%.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 484 words.

End of preview

Subscribers: Log in now to read the complete article.

Account Holders: Log in now and use your Account Credit to buy this article. No Credit? Top up your Account now.


If you are logged in, but still cannot access the full text of this article, email customer services or telephone us on +44(0)1638 743633.