UK’s BII Targets Ethiopia in New $6.7 Billion African Investment Strategy

The British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, has launched a new strategy to commit $6.7 billion of its own capital across Africa between 2026 and 2031. The initiative aims to mobilize additional private funding by partnering with domestic institutional investors and commercial financial institutions to support businesses and infrastructure. Ethiopia has been identified as a key target market in East Africa, alongside Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. BII Chief Executive Officer Leslie Maasdorp emphasized that the strategy seeks to address barriers to long-term financing, particularly in markets where capital remains concentrated in traditional instruments. While the institution has not yet disclosed specific funding targets or projects for Ethiopia, the announcement comes as the country undergoes significant financial reforms, including the opening of the banking sector to foreign investors. The strategy is intended to foster partnerships that can deepen financial intermediation and expand the capacity of African financial markets.