Landmark agreement positions Nairobi as AFC’s East Africa operations centre

ANITA OMWENGA-KNA

The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has officially established its first regional office in Nairobi following the signing of a Host Country Agreement with the Government of Kenya.

The agreement was signed by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi and AFC President and Chief Executive Officer, Samaila Zubairu.

The ceremony was witnessed by President William Ruto during the ongoing Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi.

The new office is expected to serve as a full-service platform for investment origination, capital mobilisation and project execution, further strengthening Kenya’s role as a gateway for regional growth and development.

The establishment of the regional office positions Kenya as a strategic hub for AFC’s operations in East Africa, enhancing the Corporation’s capacity to originate, structure and execute infrastructure investments across the region.

Speaking during the signing, Mudavadi said Kenya continues to solidify its position as a regional and continental hub for trade, finance and investment, noting that the country’s economic growth prospects remain strong.

“Kenya represents one of Africa’s most compelling growth corridors.

Kenya’s economy is projected to expand by 5.3 percent in 2026, while the broader East African Community is growing at approximately 6 percent annually” he said.

He said that Kenya represents one of Africa’s most compelling growth corridors, with sustained economic expansion and a dynamic investment climate.

“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,” said Mudavadi.

President Ruto described the agreement as a milestone in Kenya’s development agenda, noting that AFC’s presence will accelerate infrastructure development, create jobs and support the country’s long-term economic transformation under Vision 2030.

He added that Kenya offers a stable macroeconomic environment, supported by easing inflation and ongoing fiscal reforms, making it an attractive destination for long-term development finance.

“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. Kenya offers a stable environment for long-term structured development finance,” Ruto said.

Zubairu said Nairobi’s status as a regional logistics, financial and technology hub makes it an ideal base for AFC’s East African operations.