Afreximbank receives three awards at the 2025 International Financial Law Review awards

Cape Town, South Africa, 04 April 2025: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been recognised in three award categories by the International Financial Law Review (IFLR), a globally recognized authority on financial law and transactions. The 2025 IFLR awards, held annually, spotlight the most innovative cross-border deals in Africa and the legal teams and firms driving these transformative transactions.

A highlight of the recognitions was the award that recognized Afreximbank's In-House Legal Team as the '2025 In-house Team of the Year - Financial Institutions'. Afreximbank also received the '2025 IFLR Domestic Impact Deal Award', which spotlighted the $650 million Oando/ Agip Oil Company acquisition finance transaction, in addition to the '2025 IFLR In House Market Maker Award' awarded to the Bank's Director of Banking Legal Services, Joy Albright.

The awards highlight Afreximbank's pivotal role in delivering innovative financing solutions on the African Continent. Afreximbank, retained as mandated lead arranger for the transaction, also served as bookrunner, coordinator, underwriter, escrow agent, facility agent and security trustee. The Multilateral Bank also participated and underwrote US$350 Million of the facility. Also participating in the transaction were Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, with US$150 Million, and Mercuria Energy Group, with US$150 Million.

Afreximbank's in-house legal team was supported by a range of external legal expertise across six (6) jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Bermuda, the Netherlands, and Nigeria. This included advice from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP (UK), Odunjirin & Adefulu (advising Senior Lenders), Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Canadian Lawyers), Conyers Dill & Pearman Limited (Bermuda Lawyers), and Stibbe Law Firm (Dutch Lawyers). The Junior Lenders were advised by A&O Shearman (English Lawyers) and Templars (Nigerian Counsel).

Commenting on the awards, Joy Albright, Director Banking Legal Services at Afreximbank, said:

"We are deeply honoured to accept these 2025 IFLR awards. We are also proud to have our in-house legal team named the 2025 In-house Team of the Year - Financial Institutions. This recognition is a direct reflection of Afreximbank's commitment towards advancing intra-African Trade on the Continent, through innovative financing structures. This recognition also serves as a testament to the dedication and contribution of Afreximbank's In-House legal team, a group of experienced lawyers with a track record of advising on complex cross border legal structures."

Receiving the awards in Cape Town, South Africa were Joy Albright, Afreximbank's Director - Banking Legal Services, accompanied by Alex Bebe Epale, Senior Manager - Legal Services, Dognima Silue Head - Legal Services, Derin Fajuyitan, Head - Project and Asset Based Finance and Alvin Lema Manager - Syndications.

ENDS