African Finance Corporation formalizes Nairobi regional office

April 28, 2026 in Finance by Editor

Samaila Zubairu,the AFC President and CEO and Dr. Musalia Mudavadi exchange documents to formalize the hosting agreement.

The African Finance Corporation (APC) has selected Nairobi for its new regional office after agreeing hosting terms with the Kenya government.

With assets of just over $14 billion, AFC is a pan-African multilateral development financial institution set up in 2007 by African governments to provide solutions to Africa’s infrastructure deficit amidst critical funding gaps.

During nearly two decades, AFC has grown to become a leading provider of private sector-led infrastructure investments across the continent. Nairobi is widely viewed as East Africa’s financial hub and by far ranks first as a preferred choice for regional operations due to its available amenties.

At the official signing ceremony in Nairobi, the Kenya Prime Cabinet Secretary and also in charge of foreign affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi said, “Kenya welcomes the entry of AFC into the country and in the East Africa region. Kenya continues to be not only the hub for the region but in the continent. Kenya represents one of Africa’s most compelling growth corridors. Kenya’s economy is projected to expand by 5.3% in 2026, while the broader East African Community (home to over 400 million people) is growing at approximately 6% annually.”

AFC plans to deploy and mobilize more than US$2 billion across the region over the next three to five years. Focus will remain on sectors with strong multiplier effects, including logistics and trade corridors, power and transmission, special economic zones, digital infrastructure, and climate-resilient assets.

Samaila Zubairu,the AFC President and CEO said, “AFC’s decision to establish its first regional office here also reflects Kenya’s role as a preferred base for pan-African and international institutions seeking a platform for regional growth. With inflation easing and progress in fiscal consolidation, Kenya offers a stable environment for long-term structured development finance.”

The ceremony was witnessed by President William Ruto at the recently concluded AFC and Government of Kenya organised The Africa We Build Summit.  This positions the Corporation closer to a high-growth and capital rich market with increasing demand for bankable infrastructure solutions.

President Ruto said the partnership reinforces Kenya’s position as a leading destination for investment and a gateway for regional growth, while enhancing the country’s capacity to deliver transformative projects aligned with national development priorities.

The Regional Office will serve as a full-service platform—originating, structuring and executing transactions—while deepening portfolio optimization via partnerships with governments, institutional investors and private operators.

AFC’s expansion builds on an established track record in Kenya. Since Kenya joined AFC in 2017, the Corporation has committed over US$1.3 billion across energy, transport and industrial projects.