Business
BOI to start servicing Afreximbank’s EUR 2bn Debt After 1 year
The Afreximbank’s EUR 2 billion syndicated term loan facility for Bank of Industry (BOI) Nigeria has a three-year tenor with quarterly repayments commencing after the first year.
In a statement, Afreximbank, said that it acted as one of the Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers, Bookrunner and Facility Agent in the said loan facility.
“Said the statement: The facility is backed by a first demand guarantee and is structured into two tranches.
Tranche A is guaranteed 85% by the Africa Finance Corporation and 15% by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for both principal and interest.
Tranche B is 100% guaranteed by the AFC for both principal and interest. The Bank disbursed its participation amount of EUR 175 million in September 2024 in two tranches of EUR 115 million in Tranche A and EUR 60 million under Tranche B.
Afreximbank was also involved in the processes leading to financial close and disbursement of up to EUR 2 billion by all the lenders, including the early bird syndication in August 2024 as the Facility Agent.
BOI is expected to use the proceeds of the facility to finance trade and trade related projects of eligible corporates in Nigeria.
“This significant transaction underscores Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth,” said Mr. Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President at Afreximbank.
“By actively participating as lender, bookrunner, and agent, we are not only providing crucial financing to Bank of Industry but also facilitating access to critical resources that will empower Nigerian businesses and drive sustainable development across the country.
” Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of Bank of Industry, stated: “This landmark syndicated facility of up to EUR 2 billion is a testament to the confidence global financial institutions have in the Bank of Industry’s track record and its pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s industrial and economic transformation.
We are particularly grateful for Afreximbank’s significant participation and unwavering support both as a lender and facilitator in this transaction.
This funding will empower us to further finance critical projects, ultimately fostering sustainable growth and development for corporates across Nigeria.”
Business
Naira Exchange Rates Friday, October 16
BLACK/ PARALLEL MARKET RATES
₦1370 DOLLAR (USD)
₦1800 POUND (GBP)
₦1510 EURO (EUR)
₦970 CANADIAN DOLLAR (CAD)
₦65 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR)
₦350 UAE DIRHAM (AED)
₦190 CHINESE YUAN (CNY)
₦100 GHANAIAN CEDI (GHS)
₦2300 WEST AFRICAN CFA F.(XOF)
₦2200 CENTRAL AFRICAN CFA F.(XAF)
₦850 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR AUSSIE (AUD)
CBN OFFICIAL RATES
DOLLAR (USD)₦1331.61
POUND (GBP)₦1764.26
EURO (EUR)₦1490.48
SWISS FRANC (CHF)₦1608.23
JAPANESE YEN (JPN)₦8.4
CFA FRANC (XOF)₦2.27
WEST AFRICAN UNIT OF ACCOUNT (WAUA)₦1802.33
CHINESE YUAN (CNY)₦199.01
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR)₦354.83
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR)₦80.49
Business
WEF could appoint Lagarde as its next chair, sources say
The WEF’s Board of Trustees, which includes Lagarde herself, was due to meet on November 2 and could elect her as its next chair, said the people close to the organisation, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
•European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde
The World Economic Forum could appoint Christine Lagarde as its next chair as soon as next month, four people close to the organisation told Reuters, meaning she would step down early as European Central Bank chief and trigger a wider reshuffle at the top of the ECB.Lagarde’s ECB term is scheduled to end in October 2027.
Leaving early would give European Union leaders a chance to pick a new ECB President before France’s spring presidential election, which opinion polls suggest the far-right could win, and could pave the way for a deal involving two other senior ECB roles.
The WEF’s Board of Trustees, which includes Lagarde herself, was due to meet on November 2 and could elect her as its next chair, said the people close to the organisation, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
No final decision has been taken yet, they said.
A spokesperson for the WEF said the forum could not confirm when the next full Board of Trustees meeting would take place, but that the aim was to hold one before the end of the year.
Business
Germany plans tax on sugary drinks
The tax is expected to generate additional revenue for the federal government of €690 million in 2027 and €925 million in 2028.
The German cabinet has approved draft legislation to tax sugary drinks in Europe’s biggest economy.
If passed by the German Bundestag, the tax will take effect on 1 July 2027.
The coalition aims to raise revenue for the federal budget while encouraging manufacturers to reduce sugar content and offer healthier products.
The levy is intended to ease pressure on the healthcare system, which faces costs of more than €2 billion every year linked to the high consumption of sugary drinks, which contributes to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.
According to the federal government, Berlin is using the tax to implement “what associations from the fields of health, science, child protection, and consumer protection have long been demanding.”
The tax is expected to generate additional revenue for the federal government of €690 million in 2027 and €925 million in 2028.
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