AFC veteran Oliver Andrews recognised for shaping Africa's infrastructure finance landscape
International infrastructure leader Oliver Charles Tunde Andrews, Founder and Executive Chairman of FG Gold and Founder of Boxmoor Group, has been awarded the Outstanding Individual Award at the IJGlobal Awards,
International infrastructure leader Oliver Charles Tunde Andrews, Founder and Executive Chairman of FG Gold and Founder of Boxmoor Group, has been awarded the Outstanding Individual Award at the IJGlobal Awards, recognising his more than four decades of leadership in infrastructure development across Africa and emerging markets.
The IJGlobal Awards are widely regarded as one of the most respected global benchmarks for excellence in infrastructure and project finance.
Andrews' recognition reflects a career that has helped mobilise billions of dollars into transformational projects spanning power, transport, renewables, mining and industrial development across the African continent.
Over the course of his career, he has originated more than US$100 billion in infrastructure opportunities and directed approximately US$10 billion in investments, helping unlock projects that strengthen energy security, industrial growth and economic opportunity across Africa.
Yet Andrews was quick to emphasise that the award reflects the collective work of many people who have shaped his journey. “This recognition is deeply humbling,” he said. “Infrastructure is never built by one individual. It is the product of partnerships — governments, investors, engineers and communities working together to deliver projects that improve lives.”
Today Andrews serves as the Founder and Executive Chairman of FG Gold, the company developing the Baomahun Gold Project in Sierra Leone, one of the country's most significant new mining developments.
The project has already set several industry benchmarks for Sierra Leone, including securing the country's first project-financed mining debt package and introducing the first gold streaming financing structure implemented in the country.
In addition, the Baomahun project has pioneered a community development commitment that allocates 1% of gross revenues directly to a Community Development Fund, ensuring that local communities benefit directly from the project's long-term success.
For Andrews, these innovations reflect a broader philosophy that infrastructure and resource development must deliver lasting social and economic value. “The work we are doing at FG Gold is the result of an extraordinary team effort,” he said. “I'm incredibly proud of what the team has achieved and grateful to the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the partnership and trust that has made this project possible.”
Before launching FG Gold and Boxmoor Group, Andrews held senior leadership roles at the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), where he served as Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer and helped shape the institution's rise as one of Africa's leading infrastructure financiers.
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During his tenure, he led landmark transactions that helped establish the Corporation as a catalyst for private-sector investment across the continent.
According to Austine Ometoruwa, founding President & CEO of the AFC, “From my privileged vantage point of an 18-year front-row partnership with Oliver, I can unequivocally attest that his rare fusion of world-class technical mastery, unflappable calm under fire, and deeply personable yet gritty leadership has forged him into one of Africa's truly heroic entrepreneurs. Oliver Andrews does not merely finance Africa's future – he redefines it.”
Former AFC President Andrew Alli noted that Andrews' leadership was instrumental in delivering several pioneering infrastructure projects. “Oliver exhibits a rare mix of integrity, tenacity and humility. He is a leader who brings people along and consistently closes deals others find impossible. This recognition reflects a life's work dedicated to the development of Africa.”
Similarly, investment leader Paulo Gomes, Chairman of Orango Investment Corporation, described Andrews as a leader capable of transforming complex ideas into real-world impact. “Africa needs leaders who can turn ambition into outcomes — who move beyond concepts to real infrastructure, real investment and real transformation. Oliver is precisely that kind of leader.”
Throughout his career, Andrews has also been recognised as a mentor and institution builder, helping develop the next generation of African infrastructure leaders while advocating for sustainable and transparent development models.
Even after more than four decades in the sector, Andrews continues to push boundaries through projects that combine financial innovation with long-term social impact.
Reflecting on the award, he emphasised that the journey is far from over. “There is still much work to do,” he said. “Africa has enormous potential, and it's inspiring to see a new generation of leaders and projects emerging across the continent.”
For FG Gold and Boxmoor Group, including its subsidiaries, the IJGlobal recognition marks an important milestone — not only celebrating Andrews' career but also highlighting Sierra Leone's growing role in responsible resource development and sustainable investment.
