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Lagos Free Zone Company Issues N10.5B Series 1, 20-year Corporate Infrastructure Fixed Rate Bond in Nigerian Capital Market

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Lagos Free Zone Company (LFZC), the first free zone in Nigeria with a fully integrated deep seaport, is pleased to announce the successful issuance of  NGN10.5 billion 20-Year Series 1 Senior Guaranteed Fixed Rate Corporate Infrastructure Bonds Due 2041 LFZ Bonds) under  NGN50 billion Debt Issuance Programme.

LFZC is the infrastructure development subsidiary of Tolaram, the Singaporean conglomerate with more than 45 years of presence in Nigeria and business interests in consumer goods, infrastructure and fintech space. Lagos Free Zone is being developed as the largest integrated port-based economic zone in Nigeria and shall serve as the beacon of industrial development across Nigeria and West Africa.

Enterprises operating in the Lagos Free Zone will benefit from various policy incentives underpinned by the legislative framework applicable for free zones in Nigeria. In line with its vision statement – “to be the preferred industrial hub in West Africa with world-class infrastructure”, the zone is equipped with a host of shared industrial infrastructure necessary for attracting investments from the leading trade partners of Nigeria.

Backed by an irrevocable and unconditional guarantee from InfraCredit, LFZC Series 1 Bond is accorded a ‘AAA’ long term credit rating by Agusto and Co. and GCR, reflecting the highest degree of creditworthiness for these bonds. The Series 1 Bond, a 20-Year Guaranteed Fixed Bond, was oversubscribed by institutional investors including eleven domestic pension funds, two insurance firms, banks and HNIs.

The transaction is the first 20-year non-FGN Bond issue in the Nigerian debt capital market and the first Securities and Exchange Commission-approved Infrastructure Bond for the development of an industrial hub. The Series 1 Bond priced at a modest premium to the comparable FGN Sovereign Bond, provides a unique opportunity for pension fund managers, life insurance firms and other institutional investors to match their long-term liabilities with low-risk, high yield assets.

Speaking on the transaction, the Chief Finance Officer (‘CFO’) of LFZC, Mr. Ashish Khemka stated: “This is a milestone transaction for us at Lagos Free Zone Company and it is a testament to the capacity of the Nigerian debt market as a veritable source of domestic capital for infrastructural development in Nigeria. The response to this bond program further strengthens our commitment to realize our vision and thereby enhance Nigeria’s competitive positioning with our continuous focus on Ease of Doing Business parameters.

LFZ further underscores Nigeria as a compelling industrial hub within the West African coast and ideally orients itself in anticipation of the imminent single market regime under AfCFTA. We are particularly excited by the confidence demonstrated by pension fund managers and other institutional investors at this debut issue and we appreciate the team at InfraCredit, StanbicIBTC Capital and other parties to the transaction for this novel structure, which helps to de-risk the transaction and aligns the interest of different stakeholders”.

According to the CEO of InfraCredit, Chinua Azubike, “It has been exciting working with Lagos Free Zone Company on this landmark transaction. It further demonstrates our commitment towards inclusive access to long term local currency finance for infrastructure development. Interestingly, LFZC has set a new benchmark in the Nigerian domestic debt capital market, as the first 20-Year Corporate Infrastructure Bond in Nigeria, elongating the corporate bond yield curve and reinforcing the prospect for Nigerian Corporates to raise long term finance within the local market.

The LFZC Bonds validates the appetite of domestic pension funds and other institutional investors in financing viable long term infrastructure assets. We would continue to partner with all relevant stakeholders in executing novel strategies towards unlocking domestic capital for infrastructure finance, in addition to creating quality asset classes for diversifying investment portfolios of local institutional investors”.

Also commenting on the transaction, Funso Akere, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, said: “Stanbic IBTC Capital, FBNQuest Merchant Bank and Radix Capital Partners are delighted to have advised LFZC on this landmark 20-year Infrastructure Bond issuance, which evidences the depth and liquidity of the Nigerian debt capital markets and aligns with the pension fund industry’s growing demand for quality long-dated assets. The success of the transaction demonstrates investors’ confidence in the vision and purpose of the Lagos Free Zone and we thank the Board and Management of LFZC for giving the Issuing Houses a free hand to guide the process to successful completion.

Supporting infrastructure development is a key pillar for Stanbic IBTC and we are very pleased to have acted as Lead Issuing House to this landmark infrastructure bond issuance, which is the longest tenor corporate bond issuance in the history of the Nigerian debt capital markets.”

Funso noted that LFZC is focused on delivering essential infrastructure to ease the cost of doing business and facilitate the entry of global industrial brands into Nigeria, which is expected to boost sustainable development, galvanize economic growth and improve the livelihoods of Nigerians, while also deepening the Nigerian debt capital markets through the issuance of innovative debt instruments.

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African ESG Bond Issuance Surges to $4.4bn in 2024

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The landscape of sustainable investment in Africa is experiencing a significant upswing as the issuance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) bonds by African entities hit $4.4 billion in 2024.

This substantial increase highlights a growing commitment among African institutions to raise funds for investments aligned with ESG principles.

The surge in ESG bond issuance underscores a broader trend towards responsible and sustainable investing on the continent.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) emerges as a key player in this segment, having successfully issued social bonds worth $2 billion in January 2024, in addition to hybrid sustainable bonds amounting to $750 million.

Joining the AfDB in this endeavor is the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), which, with the support of the African Export-Import Bank, has issued bonds totaling €500 million.

This momentum in the ESG bond market has propelled financial institutions like BNP Paribas, JPMorgan, and Bank of America Securities into leading positions as arrangers for such bonds on the continent.

The surge in ESG bond issuance reflects a broader global trend towards sustainable finance, with the total value of emissions of this kind expected to reach $950 billion in 2024, according to Moody’s.

It is evident that ESG bonds are gaining traction in Africa, supported by development finance institutions and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and development across the continent.

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Coinbase Unveils $1 Billion Convertible Bond Plan to Fuel Growth

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Coinbase Global, Inc., the renowned cryptocurrency exchange platform, has announced its strategic move to bolster its financial position by initiating a private sale of $1 billion in convertible senior notes.

The bonds, set to mature in 2030, come with an additional provision allowing initial buyers to acquire an extra $150 million to address potential over-allotments.

This ambitious plan, aimed at fortifying Coinbase’s financial foundation, underscores the company’s commitment to fostering growth and expansion in the ever-evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

The proceeds from the convertible bond issuance are earmarked for “working capital and capital expenditures,” reflecting Coinbase’s strategic vision to drive innovation and enhance its market presence.

Convertible bonds offer a unique avenue for Coinbase to raise capital, providing investors with the flexibility to convert their holdings into company stock.

This approach not only diversifies Coinbase’s funding sources but also potentially reduces interest costs compared to traditional debt financing methods.

The decision to opt for convertible bonds aligns with Coinbase’s strategy to navigate market dynamics effectively while maximizing shareholder value.

Amidst recent operational challenges, including glitches during bitcoin’s price surges, Coinbase remains steadfast in its pursuit of growth opportunities.

Coinbase’s move to secure $1 billion through convertible bonds underscores its confidence in the long-term prospects of the cryptocurrency industry.

As the company continues to innovate and adapt to market trends, investors are poised to witness Coinbase’s strategic vision translate into sustained growth and value creation in the dynamic world of digital assets.

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Nigeria Taps Citibank, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs for Eurobond Issue

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Nigeria has taken a significant step towards its first eurobond issue since 2022 by enlisting the expertise of top-tier investment banks, including Citibank NA, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the eurobond offer, anticipated before June, is yet to have its size determined.

The decision to tap into international debt markets underscores Nigeria’s quest to secure external funding to meet its expenditure requirements amidst fiscal needs.

With Africa’s largest oil producer potentially eyeing up to $1 billion in external borrowing this year, the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s approved spending plan of 28.8 trillion naira ($18 billion) for 2024.

Amidst Nigeria’s ambitious fiscal targets, including a budget deficit of 9.8 trillion naira, equivalent to 3.8% of gross domestic product (GDP), external borrowings remain a vital component for financing infrastructure projects and stimulating economic growth.

The engagement of renowned investment banks reflects Nigeria’s efforts to instill confidence among foreign investors and attract capital inflows.

Since assuming office in May, President Bola Tinubu has spearheaded a series of reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy, including currency devaluation and subsidy removals.

In addition to Citibank, JPMorgan, and Goldman Sachs, Standard Chartered Bank and Lagos-based Chapel Hill Denham have been engaged as advisers by the Nigerian government.

This strategic move signals Nigeria’s determination to leverage global financial expertise in navigating its fiscal landscape and tapping into international capital markets to bolster economic development.

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