KENYA TO HOST EBRD AFRICA HQ AS RUTO SECURES MAJOR INVESTMENT DEALS IN SPAIN

Kenya and EBRD investment deal to finance micro, small, and medium enterprises, youth, and for stronger public-private partnerships.

Kenya Foreign investment deal Smes Deveopment Economic reform agenda.
Kenya to Host European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Africa Headquarters
Kenya to Host European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Africa Headquarters


Kenya is set to become the African base for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), a major milestone in President William Ruto’s efforts to attract global investment and strengthen Kenya’s position as an economic powerhouse on the continent.

President Ruto announced the breakthrough during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, where he confirmed that the EBRD will establish its African continental office in Nairobi. The move signals a strong vote of confidence in Kenya’s economic reform agenda and its appeal as a regional financial hub.

“This is a major win for Kenya’s economy,” said President Ruto after a bilateral meeting with EBRD President Ms. Odile Renaud-Basso. he described the partnership as an opportunity for financing micro, small, and medium enterprises, and also for youth, and stronger public-private partnerships.

The new EBRD office is expected to drive investments in key sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and climate-friendly infrastructure. It will also support Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), focusing on boosting access to capital for low-income communities and small businesses.

President Ruto urged Parliament to expedite the ratification process, stressing the need to fast-track the bank’s operations in Kenya. He also revealed plans to co-host a major investor conference in Nairobi later this year, in partnership with the EBRD, aimed at attracting global green investors and development partners.

In addition to his engagement with the EBRD, Ruto also held high-level talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The two leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral ties in education, food security, ICT, and innovation. Notably, Ukraine expressed interest in using the Port of Mombasa as a strategic grain distribution hub for East Africa, a move expected to lower food costs and enhance regional food security.

“Kenya is keen to explore logistical partnerships with Ukraine that reduce supply chain bottlenecks and ensure affordable food access,” Ruto said. He added that education would be a key area of collaboration, with both countries working on scholarship opportunities for Kenyan students to study in Ukraine.

Ruto and Shmyhal also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, digital innovation, and peacekeeping. They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and regional stability through active participation in international bodies like the United Nations.

President Ruto’s meetings in Seville reflect Kenya’s broader strategy of deepening international alliances, securing foreign investments, and positioning Nairobi as a gateway to Africa for global finance and innovation.

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