The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced Selam Demissie as the new Regional Managing Director based in Kenya on the margins of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau’s visit to the region.
In this position, Demissie will oversee projects that advance market-driven growth and strengthen U.S. economic partnership in the region through DFC’s full suite of financial products.
A statement said 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.
“Kenya is a strategic partner and a regional anchor for advancing U.S. interests in East Africa. 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 reauthorization, we are strengthening our ability to advance U.S. foreign policy and economic development through more ambitious investments,” said Ben Black, DFC CEO.
Lindau said DFC is critical in advancing the American security and foreign policy.
“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. 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,” said Landau.
Since joining DFC, Demissie has supported energy and agriculture projects across Africa and Latin America through debt facilities and loan guarantees.
Previously, Demissie led programs that strengthened private sector frameworks to expand energy access.
As a result of her leadership, governments were able to run competitive procurements that lowered costs and attracted private investment.
Sub-Saharan Africa is the second-largest region in DFC’s portfolio, with more than $10 billion in exposure, underscoring the continent’s central role in advancing DFC’s mission and U.S. foreign policy objectives.
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), established in 2019 with bipartisan support under President Trump, is the international investment arm of the U.S. Government. DFC partners with the private sector to
advance U.S. foreign policy and strengthen national security by mobilizing private capital around the world. DFC invests across strategic sectors including critical minerals, modern infrastructure, and advanced technology — fostering economic
development, supporting U.S. interests, and delivering returns to American taxpayers.
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