African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has provided a $64 million Acquisition Finance Facility to Levene Energy Development.
The facility supports Levene Energy’s
equity commitment to Bluecore Gas Infraco enabling the acquisition of a 30 per
cent equity stake in Axxela, one of West Africa’s leading gas and power
infrastructure companies.
This transaction provides Levene Energy
with direct entry into Nigeria’s regulated midstream and downstream gas
sectors.
It marks a significant diversification from
its core oil and refined petroleum products trading business into stable,
long-term infrastructure-backed earnings, reflecting Levene Energy’s objective
to transition to a fully integrated energy company with recurring revenue
streams anchored on infrastructure-backed assets.
Beyond its commercial significance, the
investment supports regional energy transition goals by expanding access to
natural gas.
Axxela is strategically positioned to lead
Nigeria’s energy transition through its investments in gas infrastructure,
power generation, and cleaner energy solutions.
With
a robust project pipeline, strong regional partnerships, and a restructured
business model, Axxela is well equipped to deliver sustainable growth and
deepen its impact across West Africa’s energy landscape.
Haytham Elmaayergi, Afreximbank’s Executive
Vice President for Global Trade Bank, highlighted the transaction’s
significance, that it is aligned to Afreximbank’s strategic financing
priorities under its Leadership in Global Trade Banking, Intra-African Trade,
and Industrialisation Pillars.
“Our core strength lies in the strategic
partnerships we forge with African champions. This deal reflects the Bank’s
commitment to promoting private sector investment into critical infrastructure,
fostering energy security across Africa and strengthening regional value chains
in oil and gas. By backing Levene Energy’s strategic move into gas
infrastructure, we are supporting the critical transition to cleaner energy
sources, enhancing regional energy security, and strengthening intra-African
value chains.”
Commenting on the acquisition, Sam Aofolaju
the Head of Corporate Development, Levene Energy, noted that the Afreximbank
facility support is a catalyst for Levene Energy’s strategic growth focus
moving beyond commodity trading to renewable (solar power) and now into the
backbone of West Africa’s gas and power infrastructure—an essential pillar of
the continent’s clean energy transition. The financing from Afreximbank not
only validates our vision but underscores our shared belief that resilient,
locally owned infrastructure is the foundation for lasting economic development
across Africa. -TradeArabia News Service