Selam Demissie Appointed DFC Regional Managing Director for East Africa
In this position, Ms. 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.
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, Ms. 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. 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.”
– Ben Black, CEO, DFC
“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.”
– Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State, U.S.
Since joining DFC, Ms. Demissie has supported energy and agriculture projects across Africa and Latin America through debt facilities and loan guarantees. Previously, Ms. 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.
