Citi has been named Africa’s Best Investment Bank for Financing at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, recognizing its standout performance in delivering capital solutions across the continent in 2024.
- •The bank distinguished itself through its execution of landmark transactions for sovereigns, corporates, and private sector clients — providing essential financing that supported economic development, sustainability goals, and growth in high-impact industries.
- •Leveraging its global network, cross-product capabilities, and structuring expertise, Citi led several high-profile deals across Africa. In sovereign financing, it played a key role in South Africa’s $3.5 billion dual-tranche bond issuance — the country’s first return to international markets since April 2022 and the largest African sovereign issuance since May 2020.
- •In Cameroon, Citi advised on a $550 million private placement, enabling rapid budgetary support through a fast-tracked execution without public disclosure.
Citi also led notable transactions in the corporate sector. It served as joint global coordinator and bookrunner on Africell’s debut $300 million senior secured bond — introducing the telecom operator to the international debt capital markets with strong backing from development finance institutions. Similarly, Citi led Trident Energy’s $500 million inaugural senior unsecured bond, helping the pan-African energy company refinance and diversify its investor base.
Its bridge and syndicated lending platform continued to excel, exemplified by the $500 million syndicated revolving credit facility for Morocco’s OCP Group — the largest of its kind for a Moroccan borrower. In another landmark deal, Citi underwrote a $750 million bridge facility for South Africa-based Gold Fields to support its acquisition of Canada’s Osisko Mining.
Citi’s advisory capabilities were also on display in sustainability-linked transitions. Notably, it acted as exclusive advisor to Holcim on the $120 million sale of Hima Cement to Uganda’s Sarrai Group. While not a green deal, the divestiture aligned with Holcim’s ‘Strategy 2025 – Accelerating Green Growth’, enabling a shift toward lower-carbon operations while positioning Sarrai as a major regional cement player.
Citi’s recognition in Africa came as part of a broader sweep of accolades at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, where the bank won a record 52 global, regional, and local market awards — including six across the Middle East and Africa. Other regional honors included The Middle East’s Best Investment Bank for M&A, Turkey’s Best Investment Bank, and The UAE’s Best Investment Bank for M&A.
On the global stage, Citi was recognized as:
- •The World’s Best Investment Bank for Financing
- •The World’s Best Investment Bank for Debt Capital Markets (DCM)
- •The World’s Best Bank for Research
- •The World’s Best Digital Bank for Large Corporates
Citi CEO Jane Fraser was named Banker of the Year, with Euromoney highlighting her decisive leadership in simplifying Citi’s structure and driving momentum across all five of its businesses. “These awards are a testament to the extraordinary dedication of our colleagues around the world,” Fraser said. “Their hard work, innovation and commitment to our clients are driving Citi forward.”
“This is a milestone moment for our team in the Middle East and Africa,” said Ebru Pakcan, Citi’s Middle East & Africa Cluster and Banking Head. “The six awards are a testament to the collaboration and drive I see across the region every day — and a reflection of the Citi team’s talent, tenacity, and client focus.”
The Euromoney Awards for Excellence, now in their 30th year, are among the most prestigious in global banking — recognizing institutions that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and strong performance in the eyes of clients, boards, and stakeholders.
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