Africa We Build Summit 2026: A New Era for Infrastructure Development
For the first time, Nairobi will host the Africa We Build Summit, bringing together Africa’s foremost infrastructure financiers, fund managers, investors, and industry leaders. This landmark event is set to take place on April 23-24, 2026, and aims to unlock domestic capital, translating the continent’s industrial ambitions into real job opportunities.
Key Highlights of the Summit
Hosted by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) in collaboration with the Government of Kenya, the inaugural summit is themed “Infrastructure as the Engine of Industrialisation.” This strategic focus will allow decision-makers to originate and promote bankable projects, enhance regional integration, and propel Africa’s industrial development forward.
Integrated Infrastructure Systems
The Africa We Build Summit signifies a pivotal transition from isolated projects to comprehensive infrastructure systems. Noteworthy sessions will delve into:
- Regional Corridor Investments
- Expanded Rail and Port Networks
- Cross-Border Energy Systems
- Strategic Minerals Value Chains
These topics address the essential elements required to develop interconnected economic ecosystems that leverage resources effectively.
Leadership and Commitment
Kenya’s President, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, will deliver the keynote address, underscoring the commitment to advancing regional integration and promoting large-scale industrial development across Africa.
Mobilizing Domestic Capital
A major focus of the summit will be the mobilization of Africa’s domestic capital towards creating competitive infrastructure and industrial projects. Despite the perception that Africa lacks capital, Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, emphasizes that the continent is “capital-trapped.” The opportunity lies in redirecting this capital towards substantial infrastructure investments, fostering productivity, job creation, and long-lasting prosperity.
The State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2026
At the summit’s core is the unveiling of the “State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2026,” considered the most thorough analysis of the continent’s investment landscape. This report will explore investment gaps, capital flows, and key project pipelines, providing valuable insights for capital deployment and project execution aligned with the “Africa We Build” agenda.
Showcase of Successful Initiatives
The summit will highlight projects such as the Lobito Corridor and the Kenya National Infrastructure Fund. These initiatives exemplify the potential that emerges when capital, policy, and projects align effectively. The aim is to create integrated economic ecosystems connecting resources to energy, logistics, processing, and markets.
Spotlight on East African Community
Recognizing the East African Community (EAC) as one of Africa’s most dynamic regional blocs, the summit will focus on vital regional corridors like the Northern Corridor. This corridor links the Port of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Sudan. Comprehensive discussions will address:
- Regional Connectivity in Road and Rail
- Upgrades to Key Cross-Border Highways
- Advancements to the East African Railway Master Plan
Linking Power and Minerals
A central theme of the summit is the importance of connecting power and minerals. Emphasizing value addition over mere extraction, stakeholders will explore how infrastructure investments can lead to sustainable economic transformation across the continent.
For more information on the upcoming Africa We Build Summit 2026, visit the official Africa Finance Corporation website or explore investment opportunities in Africa through African Development Bank.
This summit represents a transformative milestone for Africa’s infrastructure development and industrialization, providing a unique platform for shaping the continent’s future.
