AFC President, Others Win EMEA Awards

The President of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Andrew Alli, has been bestowed with the ‘champion of finance’ awards.

The awards are given to individuals whose lifetime contribution to finance in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, demonstrated excellence and provided an impactful result for shareholders and clients alike.

Additionally, the AFC received recognition in EMEA Finances Achievement Awards 2017 for success in accessing international capital markets.

The corporation, according to a statement, won the following accolades: Best Supranational Bond, Best Supranational Sukuk, and Best Supranational Borrower.

The statement explained that Alli won the award for his contribution to, the field of Finance, “and for relentless contributions to the sustainable development of Africa’s infrastructure.”

“This is demonstrated through projects that have transformed the continent, particularly in countries that traditional investors have typically shied away from.

“Andrew has previously worked for organisations International Finance Corporation, Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), that have reflected and built on his driving passions: To use financial innovation and expertise to develop Africa and to unlock the continents vast and unrealised potential, and to build African financial institutions that can effectively deliver that focused investment.

“He has concentrated on delivering this during his term leading Africa Finance Corporation,”it added.
Under Alli’s leadership, the AFC has, over the last ten years, evolved from a US$1 billion start-up into an institution that is a powerful force on the continent with a balance sheet of US$4.2 billion.

It currently has a membership of 20 countries, an A3 Credit rating by Moodys Investor Services (the second highest rated African lending institution), and has invested in various capacities.
Furthermore, the statement showed that AFC’s Chief Investment Officer, Oliver Andrews was also recognised as a Champion of Finance at EMEA Finances Project Finance Awards 2017.
“The award underscores his hard work and relentless innovations in the creation of infrastructure as a standalone asset class in Africa,” it added.

Commenting on the feat, Alli said: “Africa faces many challenges, which impede its development. However, very few are as significant as the infrastructure deficit we see across the continent today.

“I am humbled to have been recognised for my role in attempting to surmount these challenges, and grateful to the AFC family and shareholders, who have made all these achievements possible, for the opportunity to serve.”

On his part, Andrews said: “My passion for infrastructure stems from my deep commitment to the sustainable development of Africa.

“As I look back on my experiences in the sector, what I am most proud of has been the ability to demonstrate that projects in vital African infrastructure can be both bankable and have a developmental impact. “There is no greater honour than to be recognised by ones own peers and colleagues. I am therefore grateful and humbled to have been bestowed with this award.