The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is set to take the stage at the U.S.-Africa Energy Forum (USAEF) in Houston next month, with director Selam Demissy confirmed as a featured speaker. Her addition comes at a critical time as DFC ramps up its efforts to mobilize U.S. private capital into Africa’s energy and critical minerals sectors, particularly in cash-strapped markets.
Despite being resource-rich and technically viable, many African energy projects continue to face financing difficulties, hampered by a lack of early-stage capital, limited credit guarantees, and perceived high political risks. This funding gap continues to slow progress across the upstream and midstream segments, especially in a market where retail investors remain cautious. DFC enters this space with the clear goal of de-risking the investment environment and making U.S. participation not only viable but also attractive.
DFC is uniquely positioned to offer a type of blended financial package that fosters private sector engagement through a suite of financial tools such as political risk insurance, debt financing, and equity investments. The company’s products are specifically designed to absorb risks that commercial lenders do not, helping focus funds on large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. By providing compensation of up to $1 billion per project, DFC protects investors from challenges such as expropriation, political violence, and currency inconvertibility – barriers that can slow or frustrate investment in complex African markets.
One of DFC’s recent moves was a $553 million loan to support the rehabilitation and improvement of the Lobito Atlantic Railway, which stretches more than 1,300 kilometers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border to the Angolan coast. The investment includes rail infrastructure and port facilities designed to efficiently transport critical minerals such as cobalt and copper from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to global markets. This corridor represents a major shift in regional logistics strategy to provide a competitive and safe alternative to existing routes, and speaks to broader U.S. efforts to build more resilient and transparent supply chains for critical materials central to the energy transition.
DFC’s participation in USAEF shows that its focus extends beyond minerals. In the energy sector, DFC has extended political risk insurance to gas and infrastructure projects, including markets like Mozambique, and played a role in supporting the early stage development of LNG facilities despite significant security and operational challenges. These efforts highlight how U.S. development finance can help advance energy projects that otherwise might remain stuck in frontier markets.
DFC’s participation at USAEF 2025 highlights DFC’s growing role in Africa’s energy and critical minerals sectors. The agency’s expanded reach reflects a clear recognition of Africa’s vital role in the future of global energy systems and supply chains. By providing risk-resistant financing for infrastructure such as gas processing, terminals, and transportation corridors, DFC fosters private investment and helps strengthen U.S. economic and strategic engagement across the region.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information, contact sales@energycapitalpower.com or visit usafricaenergy.com. Join us in Houston to connect with the leaders shaping Africa’s energy landscape and experience the momentum driving ECP events around the world.
