Mary Porter Peschka

Regional Director for Eastern Africa @IFC_Org.
Inspired by global action, nature and books. Views my own.
#Invest4Tomorrow

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Walked out of this #ACF2026 panel buzzing. Africa’s creatives are already global—next step is making sure that growth translates into jobs, thriving SMEs, and lasting value across the continent.

[IFC Africa @IFCAfrica]

From Nollywood to Afrobeats to fashion, Africa’s creative output is shaping global culture. How can the industry create more jobs, stronger SMEs & lasting local value. A strong panel at #ACF2026 w/ Minister @XandrineUmutoni, @FFezoua, @GALXBOY, @gina_din, @mbithi & @TEGAMAVIN.

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Sports infrastructure is economic infrastructure. Excited about the work ahead with Zaria Group looking at sports & entertainment districts across #Africa to unlock jobs, tourism and investment.

[Makhtar Diop @Diop_IFC]

Very pleased to partner with Zaria Group, led by Masai Ujiri, co-founder of @GiantsOfAfrica, to help build a multi-country platform for sports and entertainment districts across #Africa.

Sport is not only culture — it is also business, infrastructure, jobs, tourism, and opportunity. With greater private sector investment and professionalization, Africa can capture far more value from its sports and entertainment industries.

Proud to see the @WorldBankGroup supports this vision. #ACF26

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Big highlight from the @africaceoforum: arenas, courts and venues aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re infrastructure for Africa’s future.

[Makhtar Diop @Diop_IFC]

Africa’s sports economy is projected to reach $20B by 2035 — and investors should be paying attention.

I just wrapped an incredible conversation with @EleniGiokos and Masai Ujiri, co-founder of @GiantsOfAfrica, on why arenas, courts, and concert venues are as vital to Africa’s future as roads and power infrastructure.

Securing broadcast and merchandising rights, building transparent sponsorship markets, leveraging audience data, and developing multi-use arenas that generate year-round revenue will be critical to unlocking #Africa’s sports and entertainment potential.

The sports value chain can become a true game-changer for the continent.

Let’s build it.

#CreativeEconomy #IFCinAfrica #ACF2026

[Rwanda Development Board @RDBrwanda]

“The future of sports will be shaped by data, technology, innovation, and AI. From talent development to coaching, marketing, and fan engagement, technology is becoming a central pillar of the sports industry.

At the same time, sports is no longer only about performance. It is about people, wellbeing, creativity, community, and building ecosystems that create value through infrastructure, entertainment, commerce, and innovation.”

— @Rwanda_Sports Minister @nmukazayire at the session titled “The African Arena: Who Will Own Africa’s Sports Boom?” during the @africaceoforum in Kigali.

#ACF2026

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

RT @Diop_IFC: Always a pleasure to exchange with H.E. President William Ruto, co-host of the #AfricaForward Summit in #Nairobi. The @WorldB…

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

In a world where scale wins, Africa’s next chapter will be built through partnership. At #AfricaCEOForum, leaders will connect to unlock investment, accelerate industry, and drive regional integration—together.

📍 Kigali, Rwanda
🗓️ May 14–15, 2026
➡️ https://t.co/ebQpFXVPJT

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Countdown to the @africaceoforum in Kigali (May 14–15) is on! Big conversations ahead on scaling businesses, shared ownership, investment, and stronger regional value chains—powered by real public–private partnerships. See you in Kigali. #ACF26 ➡️ https://t.co/iuq6rnbbu3

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Thank you @AfricanUnion_US @_Africatalyst for hosting such an engaging dialogue. It was a pleasure to contribute to advancing investment, trade & growth for Africa’s transformation. I look forward to the collaboration ahead.

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Africa’s transformation depends on partnerships that drive investment, trade & growth. Join the AU Mission to the U.S @AfricanUnion_US . & @_Africatalyst for a high-level dialogue on strengthening Africa–U.S. private sector partnerships.

14 April 2026 | 10:30 AM ET | Washington, D.C.

👉 Register: https://t.co/AhG2pj9NVZ

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Great to return to my alma mater for @GWtweets’ #FutureOfFinanceAfrica 3.0 — insightful discussion on how energy, infrastructure, and transportation can work together to strengthen communities, drive growth, and expand access, building the cities needed for today and tomorrow.

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

The @IMFNews @WorldBankGroup Spring Meetings are underway. I’m looking forward to engaging on how mobilizing investment can drive sustainable growth, create jobs, and strengthen resilience.
➡️ https://t.co/BDKTrLpHuC
#WBGMeetings

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

What does it take to build continental champions in Africa?

🔵Investment partnerships.
🔵Cross-border infrastructure.
🔵Shared capital.

Join the conversation at the @africaceoforum for more
📅May 14–15
➡️https://t.co/ebQpFXVPJT #ACF2026

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Pleased to share that we signed a $265M financing package with @Rawbank_sa and global partners to expand SME lending across the #DRC. Access to credit can determine whether a business survives or scales and is a key driver for economic growth and job creation.

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

This week, @IFC_org & @FCDOGovUK partnered to advance agriculture in the DRC by boosting finance, strengthening agribusiness, promoting resilient farming, and empowering women. Great to join Rt Hon @JennyChapman to sign this important partnership.

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Great to meet with Willy Mulamba, MD and his team at @EquityBCDC, to explore ways to grow our partnership especially on #SME support, a vital part of the DRC’s economy.
#IFCinDRC #IFCinAfrica

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Valuable meeting w/ DRC Governor of the Central Bank, André Wameso Nkwaluloki. We discussed strengthening domestic capital markets & expanding long-term financing options to support infrastructure & other priorities, as well as development of housing finance. #IFCinDRC @BCC_RDC

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Great conversation at @SankalpForum on Africa’s fashion & textile potential. The energy in the room was inspiring — now it’s about turning momentum into action: https://t.co/YJJaFDMHBT

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Grateful to our guest of honor, H.E. @Ijabril, and to all our partners and friends who joined us for last night's Iftar in Kenya. Your presence and support made it a truly special evening of reflection, connection, and community. Thank you for sharing this moment with us.

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Excited to be speaking at the @SankalpForum Africa Summit this week on a topic I love — how fashion & the creative industries can power trade, jobs & economic growth in Africa.

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

At @MyZambeef’s Mpongwe Farms, a new wheat mill processes 150 tons daily. W/ support from @IFC_org, this investment is about more than production — it’s creating jobs, developing skills, & strengthening food security in Zambia & the region.
➡️ https://t.co/GjWLSclUlM

[Mary Porter Peschka @MPPeschka]

Important collaboration to strengthen SME finance and support inclusive growth. Great to join the team today to sign this significant project.

[IFC Africa @IFCAfrica]

.@IFC_org & @BankDashen today partnered to expand access to finance for #SMEs in #Ethiopia, especially those in the important agribusiness sector and businesses owned or run by women.
Learn more: https://t.co/84hWJPZ6XR
#IFCinAfrica