The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has announced the appointment of Selam Demissie as its new Regional Managing Director, based in Kenya.
The move is aimed at strengthening the agency’s footprint in East Africa and advancing US economic and development priorities across the continent.
The announcement was made in Nairobi on January 29, 2026, on the margins of US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau’s visit to the region, underscoring Kenya’s strategic role in US engagement with Africa.
Demissie’s appointment underscores a renewed focus on market-driven growth, private-sector investment, and deepened economic partnerships between the United States and African countries.
In her new role, Demissie will oversee DFC-supported projects across the region, leveraging the agency’s full suite of financial tools, including debt financing, loan guarantees, political risk insurance, and equity investments.
Her mandate includes advancing projects that promote sustainable economic growth while aligning with broader US foreign policy and national security objectives, according to the statement.
She will also build on the work of the DFC’s East Africa Investment Advisor, drawing on existing research, institutional relationships, and active investment pipelines to refine and expand regional strategies.
The goal, according to DFC, is to attract, retain, and support investors in priority sectors such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure, health, and technology.
“Kenya is a strategic partner and a regional anchor for advancing US interests in East Africa,” DFC Chief Executive Officer Ben Black said.
“A strong DFC presence in Kenya is critical to sourcing investment opportunities that benefit both nations and deepen our bilateral partnership. With DFC’s expanded investment capacity and powers under reauthorisation, we are strengthening our ability to advance US foreign policy and economic development through more ambitious investments.”
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau echoed the significance of the appointment, noting that DFC plays a central role in mobilising private-sector capital in strategically important partner countries.
“DFC plays a critical role in advancing US national security and foreign policy objectives by mobilising private-sector investment in strategic partner countries, such as Kenya,” Landau said.
“A strengthened presence in Kenya positions DFC to deliver impactful work that fosters long-term stability and prosperity for both the United States and East Africa.”
Demissie brings extensive experience in development finance and private-sector engagement across emerging markets.
Since joining DFC, she has supported energy and agriculture projects across Africa and Latin America through debt facilities and loan guarantees.
Her work has focused on unlocking private capital for development by reducing risk and improving the bankability of large-scale projects.
Before joining DFC, Demissie led programmes aimed at strengthening private-sector frameworks to expand access to energy.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, Sub-Saharan Africa is currently the second-largest region in DFC’s global portfolio, with more than $10 billion (Sh1.3 trillion) in exposure.
The scale of investment highlights the continent’s growing importance in advancing DFC’s development mandate and broader U.S. foreign policy objectives.
by JAMES GICHIGI
