Africa We Build Summit: Unlocking Infrastructure for Industrial Growth in Nairobi
Introduction to the Summit
The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has partnered with the Government of Kenya to host the inaugural Africa We Build Summit in Nairobi on April 23-24, 2026. This landmark event will gather key infrastructure financiers, investors, and policymakers from across the continent, all united under a shared goal: to maximize domestic capital for large-scale development projects.
Theme and Objectives
"Infrastructure as the Engine of Industrialisation"
The summit will be framed under the theme “Infrastructure as the Engine of Industrialisation,” signifying a transformative approach to development in Africa. The focus shifts from fragmented initiatives to integrated systems that are crucial for industrial growth and job creation.
Keynote Address by President William Samoei Ruto
The opening address will be delivered by William Samoei Ruto, emphasizing a high-level political commitment to fostering regional integration and expanding industrial capabilities throughout East Africa and beyond.
Rethinking Africa’s Financing Approach
From Capital-Poor to Capital-Trapped
Discussions will highlight a crucial redefinition of Africa’s financing challenges. Stakeholders are increasingly recognizing that the continent is not capital-poor; rather, it is capital-trapped. As articulated by Samaila Zubairu, the focus now is on redirecting domestic capital into viable infrastructure projects, which can unlock tremendous economic potential.
“Africa is not capital-poor; it is capital-trapped. The opportunity now is to channel that capital into infrastructure and industry at scale—transforming resources into productivity, jobs, and long-term prosperity.”
Structuring Investable Pipelines
Infrastructure as a Commercial Asset
The summit aims to create a framework for structuring investable pipelines while aligning policy frameworks with capital flows. It will redefine infrastructure as not just a public good, but rather as a commercially viable asset class.
Focus Areas of the Summit
Regional Infrastructure Corridors
A key component of the discussions will center around the development of regional infrastructure corridors. These corridors aim to unify different sectors—transport, energy, and industrial processing—into a cohesive economic network. Notable projects such as the Lobito Corridor will be examined, alongside national financing initiatives like the Kenya National Infrastructure Fund.
Emphasis on the Northern Corridor
In East Africa, particular attention will be given to the Northern Corridor, which serves as a vital trade route connecting the Port of Mombasa to landlocked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan. Expected improvements in road and rail infrastructure, bolstered by the East African Railway Master Plan, will dominate discussions surrounding regional connectivity.
Energy Infrastructure and Mineral Resources
The summit will also address the interplay between energy infrastructure and Africa’s vast mineral resources. A major focal point will be the transition from mere raw extraction to value-added processing, which can drive economic growth.
Launch of the State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2026
In conjunction with the summit, the State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2026 will be unveiled. This report is set to be the most comprehensive assessment of the continent’s infrastructure investment landscape, detailing capital flows, identifying financing gaps, and outlining priority project pipelines. It will serve as a vital roadmap for both investors and policymakers moving forward.
Conclusion
The Africa We Build Summit 2026 is poised to facilitate critical dialogue and action around infrastructure development tailored for industrialization in Africa. By uniting diverse stakeholders and focusing on innovative financing solutions, the continent stands on the brink of monumental economic transformation.
For more information on African infrastructure and investment opportunities, visit the Africa Finance Corporation website.
