Three Major Agreements and Three Prestigious Awards for Nedbank CIB

Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) has once again been acknowledged as a frontrunner in African financial markets, earning three prestigious awards at the Global Banking & Markets: Africa Awards 2025.

The trio of ‘Deal of the Year’ awards recognizes innovation, sustainability, and strategic financial solutions that are transforming economies across the continent.

Each award underscores Nedbank CIB’s proficiency in structuring and executing landmark deals that yield sustainable impact.

Local Currency Loan Deal of the Year

For facilitating Cape Town’s infrastructure development

This honor was bestowed upon the bank for its significant contribution to financing the expansion of Cape Town’s infrastructure.

A R3.5 billion term loan, arranged as a 15-year amortizing facility, grants the city the capability to toggle between fixed and floating interest rates, ensuring stability amidst fluctuating market conditions.

This transaction plays a pivotal role in aiding Cape Town to modernize its infrastructure, enhance essential services, and foster socioeconomic development.

Moreover, the deal is linked to socioeconomic advancement, with 75% of the city’s infrastructure expenditure in 2024/25 benefiting lower-income households and generating over 130,000 construction-related jobs anticipated during the city’s decade-long capital expenditure program.

The facility offered by Nedbank bolsters Cape Town’s capacity to invest in both infrastructure and its populace, reinforcing Nedbank CIB’s position as the partner of choice for nation-building.

ESG Bond Deal of the Year

For promoting impact through sustainable finance

This award signifies a progressive step in infusing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into financial markets, with Nedbank CIB’s R2.1 billion Sustainability Tier 2 Bond – the first of its kind from a South African bank – showcasing its leadership in sustainable finance.

A key distinguishing feature of this bond was the involvement of the Tabono Women’s Advancement Programme initiated by Nedbank CIB to shape its affordable housing for women impact theme.

The Tabono initiative empowers women in corporate and investment banking through mentorship, career guidance, and practical support, while also addressing systemic obstacles, promoting diversity and inclusion within the sector.

Developed collaboratively with the Sustainable Finance Solutions and Specialised Distribution Teams in Investment Banking, the initiative assured that the bond was constructed to foster financial inclusion and long-lasting social impact.

The proceeds from the bond are financing:

• Affordable housing for women, promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment;
• Water infrastructure projects, securing water resources in South Africa;
• Climate-resilient agriculture, endorsing sustainable food production and resource preservation.

Investor confidence in the bank’s sustainable finance approach was evident – the bond was oversubscribed by 1.76 times.

This demonstrates the demand for financial instruments that offer both economic returns and social impact.

Additionally, its record-low pricing for a Tier 2 note in South Africa at the time of issuance affirms Nedbank CIB’s capability to structure high-impact transactions that attract investment.

“As a woman at the helm of an investment bank, I take immense pride in the Tabono Women’s Advancement Programme and its contribution to creating such a significant bond,” states Anél Bosman, managing executive of Nedbank CIB.

Real Estate Finance Deal of the Year

For revolutionising real estate investment in Ghana

Nedbank CIB received this accolade for its pivotal role in the Sentinel Reit (real estate investment trust) transaction – a deal that redefines real estate investment in West Africa.

As Ghana’s inaugural licensed Reit, this transaction introduces a new investment category, unlocking prospects for institutional investors in commercial real estate and setting a benchmark for future Reit developments across the region.

This landmark transaction involved a meticulously structured debt package that facilitated the acquisition of One Airport Square, a premier Grade A commercial property in Accra’s Airport City.

The deal not only broadens Ghana’s commercial real estate landscape but also enhances capital markets, boosts investor confidence, and improves liquidity in the country’s financial sector.

Through its support of this deal, Nedbank CIB has laid the groundwork for institutional investment in the property market, showcasing its ability to arrange transactions that foster long-term economic value.

Teams That Make It Happen

“Our collaborative partnerships with clients empower us to craft impactful deals that benefit economies, businesses, and communities,” remarks Bosman.

She emphasizes that the three accolades are “a testament to our team’s commitment and diverse expertise across CIB.”

As Nedbank CIB continues to influence the trajectory of corporate and investment banking, these awards reinforce its status as a leader in financial innovation, sustainability, and infrastructure investment throughout Africa.

Brought to you by Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB).

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