The Kenya Nation Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) in collaboration with the Embassy of the DRC last night hosted a trade and investment networking dinner at Muthaiga Golf Club (MCG)to sensitize the members present and the general public about the upcoming trade mission to DRC scheduled for the 10th to 14th July,2022.

The Trade mission will provide a platform for business networking, exchange of trade opportunities and market information. The visit will also accord an opportunity to explore investment opportunities in the DRC.

The dinner was officiated by the KNCCI-Nairobi Chapter Chairman Mr.Julius Opio who welcomed all the guests to the club night .The Muthaiga Golf Club  (MCG)Chairman Mr.Ronald Meru expressed his appreciation to KNCCI for the continues patronage to the club.

The Chamber President Mr. Richard Ngatia being the main host of the networking forum in his remarks stated that Kenya and DRC maintain keen bilateral relations with DRC being a top importer of Kenya’s agricultural and manufactured goods. Top exports of Kenya to DRC include; cement, tobacco, salt, sulphur, mineral fuels, mineral oils ,iron and steel where as top imports from DRC are lead, wood ,oil seeds ,rubbers and organic chemicals.

He highlighted on the sectors of interest for the trade mission namely;  Financial Sector (with banks like Equity Bank and KCB Bank having successfully set up in DRC), Innovation, Fintech and technology(Expansion of mobile payments such as MPESA into DRC), Manufacturing Export of value added products such as wood, cement and medical equipment among others, Agro-Processing (local value addition for coffee, meat, cereals, fruits and fish processing and cooling plants) set up food products processing industry, Mining – DRC has precious minerals such as cobalt, gold, diamond, mineral fuel, tin, and copper that are vital raw materials for manufacturing and automobile sectors in Kenya. Labor exchange: exchange of skills and professional labor such as mining engineers from Kenya.  Energy – Exploration of renewable energy – Solar, geothermal and natural gas, Education – (Exchange of University students for short-term learning, setting up of universities and colleges in DRC),Tourism and Hospitality– (value addition on beach tourism, resort cities and water sports, development of modern resorts and conference facilities in DRC, establishing joint ventures in the international hotel chain),Fashion and Textiles Industry – DRC produces some of the most intrinsic fabrics in Africa. Opportunities for Kenyans to participate in the value chain as exporters of raw garments and distributors of Congolese fabric, Logistics (partnership on improving transport services of passengers and freight Tourism support – joint ventures in aviation and travel firms.), Cultural Exchange: Trade in artefacts and products of cultural value (maasai ornaments, kiondos etc)

Mr.Ngatia appreciated UBA Bank Kenya and East African Breweries Ltd(EABL) for being the main sponsors  of the networking forum .He also appreciated all members for creating time to be part of the forum .

The Regional CEO, United Bank of Africa Mr.Ebele Ogbue in his remarks stated that UBA Bank has presence in DRC to support regional trade to develop economies.

The newly appointed Ambassador of DRC to Kenya H.E Amb.John Nyakeru in his speech was delighted to attend the first ever Madaraka Day in Kenya since his appointment and he is looking forward to work with the Kenyan government to enhance the bilateral relations within the East African Community (EAC).He assured to work closely with the business community for business inquries for Kenyans interested to do business with DRC .

The forum was concluded my gifting of the golf players, who had played earlier on in the day.

KNCCI would like to invite the members and the general public to be part of the trade mission to DRC and experience numerous trade and investment opportunities.