European Union top bank to set up Africa office in Nairobi, says State House
By John Otini, July 4, 2025The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has chosen Nairobi as the location for its African continental office, according to an announcement from State House. The move is part of a broader plan to deepen the bank’s engagement across Africa and support the continent’s economic development.
President William Ruto welcomed the decision, calling it a “strategic step” that will unlock financing for small businesses and enhance the role of the private sector in national development.
He said the EBRD’s presence in Nairobi will strengthen support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and boost Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) across the region.
“This is a strategic move that will strengthen support for MSMEs and promote Public-Private Partnerships as key drivers of economic growth,” said Ruto. The formal ratification of the agreement between Kenya and the EBRD is currently with Parliament.
President Ruto made the remarks during a meeting with EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso on the sidelines of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain.
The two leaders discussed a long-term engagement strategy between the bank and Kenya, with a focus on climate financing, green investments, and organising an investor conference in Nairobi later this year.
The EBRD reaffirmed its support for the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which targets grassroots-driven economic growth, financial inclusion, and sector-specific investments across agriculture, manufacturing, and energy.
According to State House, the upcoming Nairobi office will serve as a regional hub to coordinate development financing, technical assistance, and investment facilitation across African countries. Kenya will also benefit from direct access to EBRD resources and expertise as the bank ramps up its operations on the continent.
Economic cooperation
Earlier in the day, President Ruto also held bilateral talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Seville. The two leaders discussed expanding diplomatic and economic cooperation between Kenya and Ukraine. Ruto said Nairobi is looking to expand education links with Ukraine, particularly for Kenyan students seeking academic and research opportunities.
“Kenya and Ukraine are working on expanding educational opportunities, particularly for our students,” he said. The President also noted that Ukraine could play a vital role in supporting food security in Kenya and the region by using the Port of Mombasa to distribute key commodities.
“We are exploring ways for Ukraine to use Kenya’s strategic location to support the regional distribution of key commodities through the port of Mombasa,” he said.
The two countries are also eyeing partnerships in information and communication technology (ICT), trade, and other emerging sectors.
President Ruto and Prime Minister Shmyhal reaffirmed their commitment to promoting regional and global stability.
They pledged to support peacekeeping, mediation, and multilateral diplomacy based on the United Nations Charter and a rules-based international system.