Africa We Build Summit 2026: Empowering Infrastructure Development
In an unprecedented gathering, Africa’s leading infrastructure financiers, fund managers, investors, and industry experts will assemble in Nairobi to unlock domestic capital, transforming the continent’s industrial aspirations into real, job-creating initiatives. The inaugural Africa We Build Summit, hosted by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) in collaboration with the Government of Kenya, is scheduled for April 23-24, 2026.
Theme and Goals of the Summit
Under the theme “Infrastructure as the Engine of Industrialisation,” the Summit aims to gather decision-makers to conceptualize and initiate bankable projects, bolster regional integration, and accelerate Africa’s industrial growth. Regional collaboration will be emphasized, shifting from isolated initiatives to a coherent infrastructure system that supports sustainable development.
Keynote Address by President William Samoei Ruto
The keynote address will be delivered by President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya. His speech will highlight the unwavering commitment to fostering regional integration and large-scale industrial advancement across the continent.
Mobilizing Domestic Capital for Infrastructure Projects
A critical focus of the Summit is mobilizing a larger portion of Africa’s significant domestic capital towards viable, competitive infrastructure and industrial projects. The emphasis on domestic capital mobilization demonstrates a proactive approach to financing Africa’s infrastructure landscape.
Launch of the ‘State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2026’
Complementing the Summit is the release of the ‘State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2026’, a comprehensive analysis of cross-continental investment in Africa. This report will investigate investment gaps, capital flows, and critical project pipelines, informing capital allocation and project execution as part of “The Africa We Build” agenda.
The Vision of Transformative Capital Deployment
Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, shared his insights, stating: “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.”
Implementation of Bankable Projects
The Summit serves as a delivery platform focused on bankable projects, investable pipelines, and partnerships geared towards execution. Successful initiatives, like the Lobito Corridor and the Kenya National Infrastructure Fund, set a precedent for aligning capital, policy, and projects, ultimately fostering integrated economic ecosystems that connect resources to energy, logistics, processing, and markets.
Highlighting Key Regional Corridors
Recognizing the East African Community as one of Africa’s vibrant regional blocs, the Summit will delve into essential corridors, such as the Northern Corridor, which connects the Port of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Sudan. Discussions will center on enhancing regional connectivity in road and rail infrastructure, focusing on critical upgrades along key cross-border highways and advancing a comprehensive East African Railway Master Plan.
Linking Power and Minerals for Economic Growth
A crucial theme will explore the relationship between power and minerals, focusing on value addition over mere extraction. This strategy is vital for ensuring that infrastructure investments lead to long-term economic transformation across the continent.
The Africa We Build Summit 2026 promises to set the stage for a new era of collaboration and innovation in Africa’s infrastructure landscape, paving the way for sustainable industrial growth and enhanced regional integration.
