The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation on Thursday announced the appointment of Selam Demissie as its new Regional Managing Director for East Africa, a move that strengthens the agency’s physical and strategic presence in Kenya and the wider region.
Based in Kenya, Demissie will lead DFC’s regional operations, overseeing investments designed to support private-sector growth while expanding economic cooperation between the United States and East African countries. Her appointment highlights Kenya’s growing role as a regional hub for U.S. development finance and investment efforts.
The announcement was made during a regional visit by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, reflecting Kenya’s importance in advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities and development finance objectives in East Africa.
In her new role, Demissie will guide DFC projects that promote market-driven development across key sectors. She will deploy the agency’s full range of financial tools, including loans, guarantees, and equity investments, to support private investors and unlock capital for development-focused projects.
According to the agency, Demissie will build on existing work already underway in the region.
“She will build on the work of the DFC’s East Africa Investment Advisor by leveraging existing research, relationships, and investment pipelines to refine and expand strategies that attract, retain, and support investors across priority sectors,” the agency said in a statement.
DFC Chief Executive Officer Ben Black described Kenya as a central pillar for U.S. engagement in East Africa, noting that a stronger presence on the ground would improve the agency’s ability to identify and support viable investment opportunities.
“Kenya is a strategic partner and a regional anchor for advancing U.S. interests in East Africa,” Black said. “A strong DFC presence in Kenya is critical to sourcing investment opportunities that benefit both nations and deepen our bilateral partnership.”
Black also pointed to the agency’s expanded mandate following its reauthorization, saying this would allow DFC to pursue larger projects that align with both U.S. foreign policy and development goals.
“With DFC’s expanded investment capacity and powers under reauthorization, we are strengthening our ability to advance U.S. foreign policy and economic development through more ambitious investments,” he said.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Demissie’s appointment would further strengthen DFC’s effectiveness in the region, especially in countries viewed as strategic partners by the United States.
“DFC plays a critical role in advancing U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives by mobilizing 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 broad experience in development finance, with a strong focus on energy access and agriculture. Since joining DFC, she has worked on projects across Africa and Latin America, supporting investments through debt financing and loan guarantees.
Before her current role, she led initiatives aimed at strengthening private-sector frameworks, helping governments design competitive procurement processes that reduced costs and attracted private investment.
Sub-Saharan Africa remains a major focus for DFC, accounting for its second-largest regional portfolio, with more than 10 billion dollars in exposure. The scale of this portfolio reflects the region’s importance to the agency’s overall mission.
Established in 2019, DFC serves as the United States government’s international investment institution, working with the private sector to mobilize capital in priority areas such as modern infrastructure, critical minerals, and advanced technology.
