Yemisi Izuora
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has offered a US$200 million Corporate Finance Facility to BUA Industries Limited for its expansion plans. The BUA is a Nigerian conglomerate with diversified business interest spanning across, sugar and cement manufacturing, flour milling, oil milling, port logistics, real estate development, oil and gas, and shipping.
The first tranche of $150 million was disbursed on October 16, 2024.
Speaking on the transaction, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA, said that the $200 million corporate finance facility from Afrexim Bank, marks a crucial step in BUA’s commitment to industrialising Nigeria’s manufacturing, infrastructure and energy sector for local use and export.
“With Afreximbank’s support, BUA can increase investments to strengthen industrial capacity and meet regional demand. Our goal is sustainable growth that boosts Nigeria’s self-sufficiency and Africa’s global trade presence, creating jobs and building economic resilience,” he said.
Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra Africa Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank, speaking on the transaction said that the facility would provide critical financial support to a leading Nigerian conglomerate as it pursues its expansion plans, thereby boosting its industrial base and Nigeria’s export manufacturing capacity.
“We are delighted at this partnership, which promises to deliver significant impact through job creation, import substitution, and export diversification – thereby boosting Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
Over the past decade, BUA has solidified its reputation as one of Africa’s fastest-growing and reputable companies with business interests spanning critical sectors of the African economy. With its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, BUA has expanded its business operations in the past few years to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area through exports.