DAR ES SALAAM, Mar 18 – Africa Finance Corporation has announced that the Bank of Tanzania has joined its shareholder base through an equity investment, strengthening the institution’s sovereign backing and capital structure.
The move positions the Bank of Tanzania as a sovereign shareholder and reflects growing confidence among African institutions in AFC’s mandate to mobilise long-term capital for infrastructure and industrial development.
The investment also enhances AFC’s shareholder diversification strategy, increasing participation from African central banks and public institutions while reinforcing its pan-African ownership model.
The development follows AFC’s recent credit rating upgrade by S&P Global Ratings, which assigned the institution an A rating with a positive outlook, citing its strong capital base, shareholder support and track record in executing large-scale infrastructure projects.
Strengthening Infrastructure Financing Across Africa
AFC has positioned itself as a key channel for financing critical infrastructure across the continent, particularly at a time when African economies are facing increasing demand for development capital.
Sectors such as energy, transport, logistics and value-added manufacturing continue to require significant investment to support industrialisation and economic transformation.
By expanding its sovereign shareholder base, AFC aims to deepen its ability to mobilise both domestic and international capital into high-impact, bankable projects.
The addition of the Bank of Tanzania further strengthens the Corporation’s role as a trusted partner for governments seeking to accelerate growth through infrastructure-led development.
Expanding Engagement in Tanzania
In Tanzania, AFC has been actively supporting national development priorities through a combination of sovereign financing and partnerships with financial institutions.
These include budget support facilities to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, as well as trade finance lines aimed at improving liquidity and supporting private sector activity.
The new equity investment is expected to deepen this partnership and support Tanzania’s broader goals of economic resilience, industrial growth and sustainable development.
Leadership Commentary
Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, described the investment as a strong vote of confidence in the institution’s strategy and impact.
He noted that expanding sovereign participation reflects growing recognition of the importance of African-led financial institutions in bridging the continent’s infrastructure gap.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Tutuba said the investment aligns with Tanzania’s priorities to strengthen economic resilience, support private sector growth and advance sustainable development.
Outlook
With an expanding shareholder base and stronger sovereign partnerships, AFC continues to scale its efforts to channel capital into critical infrastructure projects across Africa.
The Corporation’s model, combining institutional backing with access to global capital markets, positions it as a central player in financing the continent’s long-term development and enhancing its competitiveness in global value chains.
