## AFC Secures Major Funding for Mining Projects in West Africa
### Introduction to Africa Finance Corporation
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a key player in infrastructure solutions across the continent, has made headlines with its recent financial commitment of EUR 100 million to Mota-Engil Africa (MEA), the regional subsidiary of the globally recognized Mota-Engil Group. This financing will be allocated over a five-year term, primarily earmarked for the acquisition of critical equipment, inventory, and site infrastructure necessary for the implementation of new gold-mining contracts in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali.
### Strategic Importance of the Funding
The funding provided by AFC is pivotal for Mota-Engil Africa as it seeks to enhance its operations within West Africa’s thriving mining sector. With gold being a significant export commodity for the region, this investment not only boosts local employment opportunities but also plays an essential role in generating foreign exchange earnings. Both Côte d’Ivoire and Mali are recognized for their rich mineral potential, and these new mining contracts are set to invigorate their respective industries.
### Strengthening Partnerships
This latest agreement signifies the evolution of the relationship between AFC and MEA, which dates back to 2016. Over the years, AFC has been instrumental in advising on various high-profile projects, including the establishment of Bugesera International Airport in Rwanda, Nigeria’s Kano Moradi rail project costing US$2 billion, and the extensive 1,289-kilometer Lobito I rail line project in Angola. In this last endeavor, AFC serves as the financial adviser for Lobito Atlantic Railway, a consortium that includes Mota-Engil Africa, Trafigura, and Vecturis SA.
### Insights from Leadership
Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, emphasized the significance of this transaction, stating, “This transaction underscores the strength of our decade-long relationship with Mota-Engil Africa and our shared vision to deliver sustainable economic transformation across Africa.” He added that gold remains a vital economic driver, and through this investment, AFC is contributing to long-term value creation that supports the economy, employment, and industrial development in the region.
In response, Manuel Mota, Chairman of Mota-Engil Africa, expressed pride in the successful funding closure for the three mining projects, recognizing it as a major achievement for the company. He noted that this development reflects not only the robustness of their project portfolio but also the trust placed in them by notable institutions like AFC.
### Expanding Financing Initiatives
This investment aligns with AFC’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in contractor financing across the continent. The organization aims to support critical public and private sector projects while also unlocking much-needed financing opportunities. An example of this initiative is AFC’s role as the commercial tranche financier for the 186 Metallic Bridges project, currently under construction by Conduril Engenharia S.A. in Angola.
AFC remains dedicated to partnering with contractors to provide essential funding that helps to bridge the infrastructure gap, thereby fostering industrial development, economic resilience, and sustainable growth throughout Africa.
### Commitment to Sustainable Development
AFC was founded in 2007 to serve as a catalyst for infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. The organization combines specialized industry expertise with an emphasis on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital. This approach addresses the continent’s pressing infrastructure needs and facilitates sustainable economic growth.
With nearly two decades in operation, AFC has built a solid reputation as the partner of choice for investing in and delivering high-quality infrastructure that provides essential services in sectors including power, natural resources, heavy industry, transportation, and telecommunications. To date, AFC has made investments exceeding US$15 billion across 36 African countries, solidifying its commitment to enhancing the continent’s infrastructure landscape.
### Contact Information
For further details or media inquiries, please contact:
**Yewande Thorpe**
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile: +234 1 279 9654
Email: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org
**Learn More about AFC**:
Explore more at [www.AfricaFC.org](http://www.AfricaFC.org)
