The EAC faces an infrastructure deficit currently estimated at $42billion annually. This is hindering modernization of transportation, energy, and communication systems and slowing regional integration.
Experts say there is urgent need to Unlock domestic capital to drive infrastructure development across the East African Community (EAC) I because its crucial for sustaining economic growth in the region.
At the 2025 East Africa Institutional Investors Forum in Arusha, Tanzania, Stanbic Bank Kenya, Stanbic Bank Uganda, and Stanbic Bank Tanzania—affiliates of Standard Bank Group—joined institutional investors, policymakers, and regulators to discuss mobilizing alternative financing.
The two-day forum focused on shifting domestic capital from passive reserves into active investments in strategic infrastructure projects.
Aime Uwase, Director of Planning at the EAC Secretariat, stated, “A robust infrastructure network is foundational for regional integration. Traditionally, funding has relied on external sources. Unlocking domestic capital diversifies funding and strengthens economic resilience.”
Poor infrastructure not only weakens the EAC’s global competitiveness but also raises trade costs and restricts market access.
Zoya Sisulu, Sector Head of Financial Institutions Group at Standard Bank, emphasized, “Key players—regulators, asset allocators, and owners—are here to address market challenges and advance infrastructure development.”
Micheal Sseguya, Head of Financial Institutions Group at Stanbic Bank Uganda, noted, “We’re diversifying investments beyond treasury bills into infrastructure and large projects vital for East Africa’s growth.”
He added, “Feedback from investors and regulators will guide capital flows into this space, supporting governments in funding critical projects.”
Benedict Nkini, Vice President for Financial Institutions at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, highlighted the region’s untapped private capital. “This forum unites infrastructure players, financiers, and regulators to drive East Africa’s infrastructure agenda.”
However, risks remain. Alex Rumanyika, Head of Strategy at Uganda’s NSSF, stressed caution: “Safety is our priority, but we’re exploring infrastructure instruments on stock exchanges for pension funds to invest securely.”
Challenges like political interference, lack of transparency, and vested interests also deter domestic savings from public projects.
Mphokolo Makara, Executive Head of Energy and Infrastructure Financing-East Africa at Stanbic Bank, concluded, “Understanding risk appetite and mandates is key to supporting regional infrastructure.”
