Baker & McKenzie LLP
12/15/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/15/2025 04:09
Baker McKenzie Advises Deutsche Bank on EUR 170m Sustainability-Linked Loan Backed by AfDB Guarantee for Mota-Engil
Baker McKenzie has advised Deutsche Bank on a landmark sustainability-linked financing for Mota-Engil West Africa. The transaction involves a EUR 170 million sustainability-linked loan supported by a EUR 120 million non-sovereign Partial Credit Guarantee issued by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
The AfDB guarantee, signed at its headquarters in Abidjan, provides critical credit enhancement to enable Mota-Engil West Africa, a leading construction and infrastructure company, to strengthen its financial profile and extend the maturity of its debt. By linking financing terms to sustainability performance targets, the deal reflects a shared commitment to integrating ESG principles into infrastructure financing.
The sustainability-linked loan will support a pipeline of projects across more than a dozen African countries, including transport infrastructure, environmental services, water and sanitation systems, and energy-efficient civil works.
The Baker McKenzie team was led by Banking Partner, Luka Lightfoot with support from Senior Associate, James Clarke and trainee Katy Gargiulo. Partner Sarah Smith and Senior Associate Shaneil Shah advised on the conformity of the AfDB's partial credit guarantee with EU CRR "eligible guarantee" rules.
Commenting on the transaction, Luka Lightfoot commented: "We are extremely proud of the role Baker McKenzie played in supporting Deutsche Bank on this groundbreaking financing. Our team worked collaboratively to deliver a resilient, multi jurisdictional structure that integrates robust sustainability targets and leverages the AfDB's partial credit guarantee. This innovative approach not only strengthens Mota Engil's financial position, but also advances sustainable infrastructure development across Africa, demonstrating our commitment to providing market-leading solutions for complex transactions."
The AfDB guarantee, signed at its headquarters in Abidjan, provides critical credit enhancement to enable Mota-Engil West Africa, a leading construction and infrastructure company, to strengthen its financial profile and extend the maturity of its debt. By linking financing terms to sustainability performance targets, the deal reflects a shared commitment to integrating ESG principles into infrastructure financing.
The sustainability-linked loan will support a pipeline of projects across more than a dozen African countries, including transport infrastructure, environmental services, water and sanitation systems, and energy-efficient civil works.
The Baker McKenzie team was led by Banking Partner, Luka Lightfoot with support from Senior Associate, James Clarke and trainee Katy Gargiulo. Partner Sarah Smith and Senior Associate Shaneil Shah advised on the conformity of the AfDB's partial credit guarantee with EU CRR "eligible guarantee" rules.
Commenting on the transaction, Luka Lightfoot commented: "We are extremely proud of the role Baker McKenzie played in supporting Deutsche Bank on this groundbreaking financing. Our team worked collaboratively to deliver a resilient, multi jurisdictional structure that integrates robust sustainability targets and leverages the AfDB's partial credit guarantee. This innovative approach not only strengthens Mota Engil's financial position, but also advances sustainable infrastructure development across Africa, demonstrating our commitment to providing market-leading solutions for complex transactions."
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