NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 30 — The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has appointed Selam Demissie as its new Regional Managing Director for East Africa, strengthening the agency’s footprint in the region as it advances its Africa investment strategy.
The announcement was made on the margins of a regional visit by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
Demissie will be based in Kenya, which the United States views as a strategic regional hub for economic engagement in East Africa.
In her new role, she will oversee DFC-backed projects aimed at driving market-led growth and deepening US economic partnerships across the region.
Demissie will deploy DFC’s full suite of financial products while building on the work of the East Africa Investment Advisor, leveraging existing research, partnerships and investment pipelines to expand and refine strategies that attract and support investors in priority sectors.
“Kenya is a strategic partner and a regional anchor for advancing U.S. interests in East Africa,” said DFC Chief Executive Officer Ben Black.
“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 authorities under reauthorization, we are strengthening our ability to advance US foreign policy and economic development through more ambitious investments.”
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau underscored the geopolitical significance of the appointment, noting that DFC plays a key role in advancing US national security and foreign policy objectives.
“By mobilizing private sector investment in strategic partner countries such as Kenya, DFC helps foster long-term stability and prosperity,” Landau said.
“A strengthened presence in Kenya positions DFC to deliver impactful work that benefits both the United States and East Africa.”
Demissie brings extensive experience to the role. Since joining DFC, she has supported energy and agriculture projects across Africa and Latin America through debt financing and loan guarantees.
Previously, she led initiatives focused on strengthening private sector frameworks to expand energy access, enabling governments to conduct competitive procurement processes that reduced costs and attracted private investment.
Sub-Saharan Africa remains a major focus for DFC, representing the corporation’s second-largest regional portfolio, with more than $10 billion in exposure.
Established in 2019 with bipartisan support under President Donald Trump, the US International Development Finance Corporation is the U.S. government’s international development finance institution.
DFC partners with the private sector to advance US foreign policy and national security objectives by mobilising private capital in strategic sectors such as critical minerals, modern infrastructure and advanced technology, while promoting economic development and delivering returns to American taxpayers.
