Kenya has moved a step closer to cementing its status as Africa’s gateway for investment after the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) secured full membership in the World Alliance of International Financial Centres (WAIFC).

The decision places Nairobi among 21 international hubs recognised for shaping the global financial landscape.

The announcement came during the WAIFC Annual Meeting in Frankfurt, Germany. NIFC Chief Executive Officer Daniel Mainda said the membership reflects Nairobi’s emergence as a world-class financial destination.

He explained that the recognition demonstrates Kenya’s advancement into the circle of established global centres.

“The Nairobi International Financial Centre has been elected as a full member of the World Alliance of International Financial Centres, further cementing Nairobi and Kenya’s national positioning as one of the leading financial hubs in the world,” Mainda stated.

He further underscored that the move strengthens Kenya’s ambition to act as Africa’s investment entry point.

He noted that the decision validates the country’s long-term financial strategy and connects Nairobi to major international markets.

“The World Alliance has boldly reiterated our national philosophy, affirming that this major milestone strengthens the NIFC’s role on the global stage, connecting Nairobi to other leading financial hubs across the world and amplifying our mission to position Kenya as the preferred gateway to investment in Africa,” he said.

The WAIFC serves as a platform where financial centres work together to encourage innovation, promote resilience, and engage with international institutions.

Nairobi’s election expands the alliance’s roster to 21 members worldwide.

Kenya’s reforms were crucial in paving the way for this development. The National Treasury oversaw the enactment of the Nairobi International Financial Centre Act, 2021, and amendments to the Income Tax Act through the 2025/2026 Finance Act.

These measures introduced preferential tax benefits, including a 15 per cent corporate income tax rate for certified entities during their first ten years of operation, rising to 20 per cent thereafter.

The adjustments support the government’s Vision 2030 development framework and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

The NIFC has already established itself as a hub for East Africa, giving investors access to 54 countries, a combined population of 1.3 billion, and an estimated GDP of Sh449 trillion.

By providing a stable, transparent, and well-regulated environment, the centre positions itself as the natural entry point for international businesses seeking opportunities across the continent.

As a member of the WAIFC, NIFC will also participate in the African Chapter, an initiative designed to encourage collaboration among financial centres across the continent to unlock Africa’s investment potential.

The WAIFC Annual Meeting in Frankfurt has brought together senior figures from the global financial industry.

Alongside membership announcements, the programme is exploring topics such as artificial intelligence in finance and corporate sustainability reporting.

For Kenya, the recognition represents more than a symbolic entry into an exclusive circle.

It gives Nairobi influence in shaping the agenda of international finance and strengthens its claim as the continent’s preferred gateway for global capital.