Kenya is stepping up efforts to deepen Africa’s capital markets ahead of Africa Capital Week 2026, with the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board engaging the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board Chairman Emmanuel Nzai held talks with EBRD Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa Heike Harmgart at the Vision Delivery Secretariat offices in Nairobi.
The discussions focused on Africa Capital Week 2026, which will be held in Nairobi from September 7 to 11. The forum is expected to bring together more than 20 African securities exchanges to explore ways of strengthening capital market integration, investment and access to long-term financing.
Nzai invited the EBRD to participate in the forum, with the institution welcoming the invitation.
The Vision 2030 Delivery Board said the EBRD’s experience in capital market development and its engagement with securities exchanges across different markets could provide lessons for African countries seeking to strengthen their financial systems.
“With the EBRD’s extensive experience in capital market development and engagement with securities exchanges across different markets, its participation will provide valuable insights, lessons and success stories to inform Africa’s capital market development agenda,” Nzai said.
The chairman said the forum would provide an opportunity for African exchanges, regulators, investors and development partners to discuss practical measures for expanding access to long-term finance and improving integration between markets.
He said stronger capital markets could help African economies mobilise resources needed to support investment and long-term development.
“Together, we can unlock deeper, stronger and more inclusive capital markets for Africa’s sustainable economic transformation,” Nzai said.
Harmgart welcomed the invitation, with the EBRD’s participation expected to bring additional experience to discussions on capital market development and regional financial integration.
The engagement comes as African countries seek to increase domestic savings, attract private investment and strengthen local sources of finance.
The Vision 2030 Delivery Board said deeper and more integrated capital markets could help countries reduce reliance on external borrowing while providing businesses and governments with greater access to long-term financing.
Africa Capital Week 2026 is expected to attract policymakers, financial regulators, stock exchanges, investment banks, pension funds and development finance institutions from across Africa and beyond.
The forum will focus on opportunities to strengthen connections between African capital markets and create an environment that supports increased investment and economic growth.
Kenya’s engagement with the EBRD also reflects its ambition to position Nairobi as a leading financial and investment hub in the region.
The planned participation of more than 20 African securities exchanges is expected to provide a platform for sharing experiences and identifying practical approaches to improving market access and integration.
The organisers said the broader objective is to build deeper, stronger and more inclusive capital markets capable of supporting Africa’s sustainable economic transformation.
With the September forum approaching, the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board is seeking to bring development finance institutions and other key financial-sector players into discussions on how Africa can strengthen its capital market infrastructure and unlock more investment opportunities.