AFC Plants East Africa Flag with Nairobi Regional Hub

The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has announced the establishment of its first regional office in Nairobi, Kenya, marking a significant expansion for the development finance institution across East Africa. This strategic move will bolster AFC’s ability to scale infrastructure investment and industrial development initiatives in the region.

The agreement formalizing this partnership was signed by H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, and Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC. The signing ceremony took place during the Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi, witnessed by H.E. President William Ruto.

“Kenya welcomes the entry of AFC into our country and the East Africa region,” said Mudavadi. “We continue to position ourselves as a hub not only for this region but for the entire continent.” Kenya’s economy is projected to expand by 5.3% in 2026, while the broader East African Community (EAC) – comprising over 400 million people – grows at approximately 6% annually.

Nairobi’s established position as a regional logistics, financial, and technology hub makes it an ideal base for AFC’s operations. The corporation plans to deploy more than US$2 billion in the region over the next three to five years, focusing on sectors with high multiplier effects like:

• Logistics and trade corridors
• Power and transmission infrastructure
• Special economic zones
• Digital infrastructure
• Climate-resilient assets

The Regional Office will drive capital mobilization, offer structured local currency solutions, and enhance the bankability of projects by attracting institutional investors.

AFC already has an established track record in Kenya, having committed over US$1.3 billion since 2017 across energy, transport, and industrial initiatives. Current projects include:

• Development of Dongo Kundu Integrated Industrial Park
• Naivasha Special Economic Zone II (in partnership with Arise)
• Expansion support for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

“This signing marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s economic development journey,” said President Ruto. “By deepening our partnership with AFC, we are reinforcing Kenya’s position at the forefront of infrastructure and industrial transformation in Africa.” He added that AFC’s presence will help create jobs and strengthen Kenya’s ability to deliver on its Vision 2030 goals.

AFC CEO Samaila Zubairu echoed this sentiment: “Nairobi’s position as a logistics, finance, and technology hub makes it a natural anchor for our East African operations. Establishing a Regional Office here allows us to originate faster, structure more effectively, and deploy capital at scale across interconnected markets.”