> AÉROPORT DAKAR BLAISE DIAGNE: BEST REGIONAL AVIATION HUB WEST AFRICA 2019
Aéroport Dakar Blaise Diagne opened in December 2017, with the hope of becoming the principal air hub in West Africa. Five times larger than its predecessor, it has a capacity to handle three million passengers and the ambition to build two more terminals and another runway – to increase the capacity to five million travellers per annum by 2022 and ten million by 2035. Such was the success of its first year of operations, it exceeded projections twofold to attain a growth rate of 8.5 percent. This means that the debt
incurred by the Government to finance this colossal infrastructure undertaking will have been repaid in its entirety before its maturity – which is impressive by any standards. The major part of this success story is attributable to the airport´s ability to attract airlines, from major international players such as Air France, Delta, and Iberia to new carriers from neighbouring countries, such as RwandAir, Camair-Co and Air Peace. The airport boasts many innovations and has grand aspirations for the future: it
plans to construct a sustainable Aero City with a solar centre powering all on-site installations. It envisages becoming a green lung offsetting its carbon footprint. Above all, the company aims to make the passenger experience a pleasant one, where the time spent at the airport is enjoyable and not stressful. Given all these factors, the CFI.co judging panel has no hesitation in naming Aéroport Dakar Blaise Diagne as the Best Regional Aviation Hub in West Africa 2019.
> AFP CONFIA: BEST PENSION GOVERNANCE EL SALVADOR 2020
Since its launch in 1988, AFP Confia has been instrumental in shaping El Salvador’s pension fund system, which constitutes 44 percent of the country’s GDP. AFP Confia claims a majority share of the national market, with more than 1.5m pensions and $6bn in assets-undermanagement. This makes it the largest pension fund in Central America and the Caribbean. The company demonstrates strong corporate governance and an ethical code of
integrity, commitment and excellence. AFP Confia acts with honesty and transparency, respects eco-efficiency standards, and protects client confidentiality. Board committees monitor operations to mitigate risk and combat corruption. AFP Confia has invested time and resources to better serve clients while supporting sustainable growth and development. The company responded swiftly to new legislation that opened its portfolio to
international diversification, and unlocked fresh digital efficiencies. It has embarked on a complete digitalisation strategy using data analytics, biometric tech and artificial intelligence. AFP Confia, a subsidiary of the Atlantida Financial Group, has a Fitch AA credit rating. The CFI.co judging panel applauds the company’s steadfast service, and presents AFP Confia with the 2020 award for Best Pension Governance (El Salvador).
> DLM CAPITAL GROUP: BEST STRUCTURED FINANCE & SECURITISATION TEAM WEST AFRICA 2020
Dunn Loren Merrifield Capital Group is a Nigeriabased developmental bank which operates as a full-service investment house — a crucial link between sovereign bodies, regional industries and international money markets. DLM benefits from the leadership of a dedicated professional team. Under the guidance of founder and CEO Sonnie Ayere, the group has pioneered structured finance and securitisation in West African capital markets. DLM Capital Group has acted as the sole arranger to more than 80 percent of the structured finance — and all of the securitisation transactions — in the Nigerian market. It delivers 94
bespoke solutions that support high-impact economic and infrastructure projects. Housing, micro-finance and SMEs have been a prime focus, with an innovative medium-term note mortgage refinancing programme and a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) securitisation scheme. The BRT transaction resulted in 10 percent savings for the transit company — and increased public transport for citizens. In addition to debt and equity capitalraising, DLM offers financial advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions and company set-up. The group deploys teams of talented individuals across specialised departments CFI.co | Capital Finance International
— investment research, risk management, finance advisory, sales, technology and legal — all united behind a corporate culture that prioritises customer service and encourages professional growth for employees. Expansion into the agriculture, education, and healthcare sectors is planned via new proprietary funding conduits. The CFI.co judging panel deems DLM Capital Group — a repeat winner in the awards programme — to be a developmental partner of positive impact. The judges present DLM with the 2020 award for Best Structured Finance & Securitisation Team (West Africa).