Pretoria, 22 November 2021

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) in partnership with Africa Salihiya Cargo and Clearing (ASCC Logistics) hosted the KNCCI-SACCI business forum at Alpine Boutique Hotel in Pretoria, South Africa, on the afternoon of Monday, 22nd November 2021.

The objective of the Forum was to underscore the significant role of the two chambers in facilitating trade between Kenya and South Africa, as well as convene their business members to meet and network.

KNCCI President Mr. Richard Ngatia guaranteed the support of KNCCI in supporting its 47000+ members to access information on the available trade opportunities in South Africa, and to facilitate market information to South African companies desirous of diversifying into Kenya. Kenya invited investors in its Special Economic Zones and Industrial parks and PPPs, in addition to the big 4 Agenda sectors.

SACCI President Adv. Mtho Xulu emphasized on the need for Chamber unity to steer private sector lead in post-pandemic recovery and economic transformation.

The Vice President of the World Chamber Federation (Africa Region) and Chairman of the Nairobi Stock Exchange, Mr. Kiprono Kittony gave an account of the historical, geographical and economic advantages that placed Kenya and South Africa to be strategic trading partners and leaders in global innovation and SME development.

Mr. Gurachi Abdi, General Manager at KENVEST invited South Africans to consider Kenya as a favorable trade destination, being highly industrialized, strategically located, politically stable and protecting the interests of foreign investors, among other incentives.

ASCC Logistics Manager Mr. Shiraaz presented the company as an important part of the regional trade value chain, being transports of cargo across multiple countries.

The Forum convened 32 private sector delegates from Kenya and South Africa in diverse sectors including: Healthcare, Agribusiness, Transport & Logistics, Tourism, Mining, Geo-metrics, Engineering, Brewery, ICT, Investments and Construction. The delegates were accorded an opportunity to market their businesses by making presentations. Most importantly, the Forum provided an opportunity for the delegates to network and exchange ideas and market opportunities with the aim of forging new trade partnerships.

KNCCI and SACCI will cement its long-term trade cooperation by signing an MOU during the official Kenya-South Africa Business Forum to be held on 23rd November 2021.