British International Investment Plans KSh864bn in African Investments Through 2031

November 7, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, plans to invest approximately 864.3 billion Kenyan shillings of its own capital across Africa between 2026 and 2031, alongside efforts to mobilise up to 683.7 billion shillings in private investment.

The institution unveiled its new five-year strategy in Nairobi, setting out plans to expand private-sector investment, support job creation and strengthen climate resilience across the continent.

The investment target represents a significant increase in BII’s planned deployment of capital, with Kenya expected to remain a key market. During its previous five-year strategy period, the institution committed approximately 154.8 billion shillings in East Africa.

Under the new strategy, BII will work with public and private-sector partners to strengthen financial markets, develop investment systems and address barriers preventing capital from reaching businesses and critical infrastructure.

The institution also plans to increase climate finance to at least 40 percent of its investments, supporting the expansion of renewable energy and electricity networks. It aims to help provide clean energy to 10 million households across Africa.

The strategy targets jobs and economic opportunities for 10 million people across the continent, while at least 30 percent of BII’s core investments will be directed towards improving economic opportunities for women.

Leslie Maasdorp, BII’s chief executive, said the institution intended to use its capital, expertise and partnerships to attract additional investment and strengthen markets capable of drawing private capital at scale.

"Kenya has a significant pool of domestic capital, and we are calling on local capital providers to partner with us to find practical ways to channel more of it into productive businesses and infrastructure," he said.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh said the strategy would support investment in businesses and entrepreneurs, linking capital deployment to employment and economic growth.

UK Minister for International Development and Africa Kirsty McNeill said the strategy would focus on mobilising private investment, strengthening financial systems and working with local partners across Africa.

In Kenya, businesses backed by BII support more than 57,000 direct jobs across over 120 companies and contribute to government revenue through tax payments exceeding 62 billion shillings, according to the institution.

The launch in Nairobi marks a new phase in the UK-Kenya economic partnership, with BII seeking to increase investment in businesses and infrastructure while attracting more institutional and domestic capital.

Source: FSX Business News