By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, July 01, 2026 - Kenya has called on African countries to embrace predictable economic policies and strengthen institutions to unlock billions of dollars in global investment, warning that frequent policy reversals continue to erode investor confidence and slow the continent's economic transformation.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said Africa must pursue long-term economic stability and policy continuity if it is to attract the large-scale investments required to accelerate industrialisation, infrastructure development and job creation.
Speaking on Wednesday while opening the 26th Annual General Meeting of the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) in Nairobi, Prof. Kindiki said inconsistent policies have made many African economies less attractive to international investors despite the continent's enormous economic potential.
"We must create conducive environments for investments and believe in our continent. We must ensure long-term stability and policy continuity because in the past we have witnessed frequent disruption in policies and investments," the Deputy President said.
He argued that Africa's competitiveness for global capital will increasingly depend on governments providing certainty to investors through stable regulations and consistent economic policies.
Prof. Kindiki reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to supporting ATIDI, describing the multilateral institution as a critical partner in reducing political and commercial risks that often discourage international investment.
"The future belongs to a continent that believes in itself, invests in its institutions and creates an enabling environment for enterprise to flourish. ATIDI embodies these values and demonstrates that African institutions can deliver world-class solutions to African challenges," he said.
The meeting also marked ATIDI's Silver Jubilee, celebrating 25 years since Kenya and other COMESA member states established the institution—then known as the African Trade Insurance Agency—to cushion investors against political and sovereign risks while promoting trade and investment across Africa.
Over the past quarter-century, ATIDI has facilitated billions of dollars in trade and investment, helping governments and businesses navigate political, commercial and sovereign risks while boosting investor confidence across the continent.
"ATIDI has evolved into one of the continent's most credible multilateral financial institutions, providing innovative risk mitigation solutions that strengthen investor confidence, facilitate trade and catalyse sustainable development," Prof. Kindiki said.
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In Kenya, the institution has supported investments worth more than US$7 billion in energy, transport, manufacturing, financial services, agriculture and infrastructure.
Among the flagship projects backed by ATIDI are the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, Kipeto Wind Power Project and Menengai Geothermal Development, all of which have attracted significant international financing.
The Deputy President urged African governments to look beyond immediate political cycles and focus on building resilient institutions capable of delivering sustainable economic growth while creating opportunities for young people and women.
"As we look into the future we must carry the people of Africa. We must be deliberately inclusive, carrying along the young, women and all the people of our continent as we look for solutions to transform the critical sectors of our economies. We must believe in ourselves before we ask anyone else to believe in us," he said.
Prof. Kindiki also highlighted Kenya's plan to establish long-term financing instruments, including the National Infrastructure Fund, saying the initiative is aimed at mobilising sustainable capital to support the country's long-term economic transformation.
He said Africa's future prosperity will depend on governments building credible institutions, maintaining policy consistency and creating an investment climate that inspires confidence among both domestic and international investors.