By Morgan Lewis, 12 April 2024

Gabon’s Landmark $500 Million “Blue Bond” Wins Capital Markets Deal of the Year at IFLR Africa Awards

The International Financial Law Review (IFLR) has named Gabon’s groundbreaking $500 million debt-for-nature “blue bond” offering as its Capital Markets Deal of the Year at the 2023 IFLR Africa Awards. These prestigious awards highlight legal innovation and celebrate deals that enhance the cross-border investment landscape. Winners were honoured at a ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 11.

Morgan Lewis’s role in the deal involved representing Bank of America Securities as sole initial purchaser and structuring agent on a $500 million debt-for-nature “blue bond” offering for the Republic of Gabon, structured as an issuance of 15-year notes pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S by a special-purpose Delaware trust, with the proceeds ultimately being lent to Gabon. This was the first-ever debt-for-nature conversion in Africa.

Morgan Lewis, April 2024

To learn more about this innovative deal, visit IFLR’s full announcement.