In a strategic move set to boost industrial and economic transformation in West Africa, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has committed €100 million to Mota-Engil Africa (MEA) to scale up gold mining operations in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali.

The 5-year term facility will enable MEA, part of the globally renowned Mota-Engil Group, to acquire essential mining equipment, inventories, and build site infrastructure for three newly secured gold mining contracts in the region. This injection of capital is expected to strengthen gold production capabilities in the two countries, positioning them as key players in Africa’s evolving mining landscape.

Gold, a crucial export for many African economies, remains a pillar of foreign exchange earnings and local employment. AFC’s investment is aimed at unlocking long-term economic value and supporting the broader industrial ecosystem tied to mining.

“This transaction underscores the strength of our decade-long relationship with Mota-Engil Africa and our shared vision to deliver sustainable economic transformation across Africa,”  said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation. “Gold continues to be a vital economic driver for many African nations, and through this investment, AFC is helping to unlock long-term value, supporting export earnings, job creation, and broader industrial development of the region.”

Manuel Mota, Chairman of Mota-Engil Africa, welcomed the financing, stating: “Today marks a significant milestone for Mota-Engil Africa. We are proud to announce the successful closing of financing for three new mining projects, in partnership with Africa Finance Corporation. This achievement reflects not only the strength of our project portfolio but also the confidence that premier institutions like AFC place in our strategy, our capabilities, and our people.”

Beyond mining, the collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship between AFC and Mota-Engil Africa dating back to 2016. AFC has served as a key adviser on transformative infrastructure projects across the continent, including Rwanda’s Bugesera International Airport, Nigeria’s $2 billion Kano-Maradi rail line, and Angola’s 1,289km Lobito I rail corridor, under a consortium that includes Mota-Engil, Trafigura, and Vecturis SA.

This latest move also aligns with AFC’s broader strategy of backing critical contractor financing across Africa, accelerating infrastructure delivery while bridging funding gaps that often delay project execution.

The Corporation is also supporting other landmark initiatives, such as financing the commercial tranche of Angola’s 186 Metallic Bridges project, spearheaded by Conduril Engenharia S.A., reinforcing AFC’s pivotal role in driving Africa’s infrastructure-led development.

As Côte d’Ivoire and Mali tap into their substantial untapped mineral resources, the AFC-Mota-Engil Africa partnership represents a timely and strategic boost to regional economic resilience, job creation, and sustainable development.