AFC (Africa Finance Corporation): Champion of Strategic Economic Growth Financing Africa 2025

Since its inception in 2007, AFC has mobilised over US$15 billion in investments across 36 African countries, creating over 7 million jobs (direct and indirect) and driving industrialisation and sustainable development across the continent.

AFC leads with a solutions-focused approach, tackling market failures and driving industrialisation through strategic infrastructure investments. By addressing medium- to large-scale challenges, AFC develops scalable models that encourage broad participation and generate long-term economic impact. Its investment strategy centres on critical sectors like power, transport & logistics, natural resources, heavy industries, and telecommunications & technology, pioneering transformative projects such as independent power producers, railways, and industrial parks that foster sustainable growth across Africa.

Collaboration is core to AFC’s success, as evidenced by its partnerships with governments, private investors, and development finance institutions. This approach has unlocked significant opportunities, including green bond issuances and the mobilisation of African capital. AFC also supports intra-African trade integration and regional connectivity, driving landmark rail projects that link markets across borders. Its commitment to value addition, import substitution, and local resource mobilisation reflects AFC’s vision of self-sustaining African development.

AFC’s impact across Africa is clear through projects like Red Sea Power in Djibouti, which strengthens Vision 2030 and regional energy security. Its investments in Infinity Power Holdings and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms are transforming energy and industrial sectors, with ARISE’s $1 billion carbon-neutral zone in Gabon generating $842 million in GDP and creating 34,000+ jobs. AFC is also driving the development of 10 GW of renewable energy capacity continent-wide. As lead developer of the Lobito Railway Corridor, AFC is enhancing trade routes, boosting mineral exports, and reducing transport costs, unlocking significant economic growth for southern Africa. Through partnerships with the U.S. Government, European Union, African Development Bank, and governments across the region, AFC is powering economic integration and growth across the continent.

CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates AFC (Africa Finance Corporation) on winning the 2025 award for Champion of Strategic Economic Growth Financing Africa.