The Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) certified 15 firms spanning digital finance, climate and carbon markets, artificial intelligence, investment management, healthcare, fintech and capital markets innovation. The certifications are expected to mobilize over US$200 million in investment across strategic sectors while creating more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. The move forms part of Kenya's transformation into Africa's leading destination for global capital under President William Ruto's Administration.
NIFC Certifies 15 Firms Across Digital Finance and Climate Sectors
The newly certified cohort comprises 15 international and regional firms spanning private equity, venture capital, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital payments, carbon finance, climate investment, digital assets, tokenized securities, international insurance, investment management and capital markets infrastructure. Chief Executive Officer Daniel Mainda stated the certifications demonstrate growing international confidence in Kenya's regulatory environment and the country's ambition to become Africa's premier international financial centre.
Several certified firms are advancing Kenya's leadership in digital assets and tokenization, developing solutions ranging from virtual asset-enabled cross-border payments and stablecoin infrastructure to tokenized securities, digital capital-raising platforms and AI-powered financial services. The Centre is witnessing significant momentum in carbon finance and climate investment, with certified firms developing large scale afforestation, bioenergy and carbon credit projects.
NIFC Establishes Strategic Partnerships with QFC, AIFC and CFC
The NIFC expanded Kenya's international financial partnerships through strategic cooperation agreements with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and Casablanca Finance City (CFC). These partnerships are strengthening Kenya's connectivity to global capital markets while positioning Nairobi as a gateway for investment into Africa.
Kenya Approved to Host AAMFI Secretariat
The Cabinet approved Kenya to host the Secretariat of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI). Hosting the Secretariat places Nairobi at the heart of collaboration among Africa's premier multilateral financial institutions, strengthening Kenya's role in mobilizing capital, shaping financial policy and driving the continent's development agenda.
CEO Mainda Outlines Vision for Africa's Premier Financial Ecosystem
CEO Daniel Mainda stated: "Every firm we certify is making a deliberate vote of confidence in Kenya's future. Collectively, these firms are building the ecosystem that will define the next generation of finance in Africa—where capital is mobilized, technology is commercialized, innovation is financed and sustainable investment thrives."
Mainda added: "Our ambition is clear. We are not simply attracting firms; we are building Africa's premier ecosystem for global capital. An ecosystem where funds are domiciled, startups scale into regional champions, digital assets are responsibly regulated, carbon markets mature, innovation is financed and international investors choose Nairobi as their gateway to the continent."
The Centre continued strengthening collaboration with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) and Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to build a coordinated, globally competitive financial ecosystem. The NIFC was established under the Nairobi International Financial Centre Act, 2017, under the National Treasury.
FAQ
How many firms did NIFC certify in its latest cohort?
The NIFC certified 15 firms spanning digital finance, climate and carbon markets, artificial intelligence, investment management, healthcare, fintech and capital markets innovation.
How much investment is expected from the newly certified NIFC firms?
The certified firms are expected to mobilize over US$200 million in investment across strategic sectors of the economy while creating more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Which international financial centres has NIFC partnered with?
The NIFC established strategic cooperation agreements with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and Casablanca Finance City (CFC).
