The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce (SCAACC), establishing a strategic partnership to expand trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Kenya and the United States.

The MoU was signed by KNCCI Chair of the Diaspora Committee Simon Nyagah, and , Chairman of SCAACC, with both KNCCI & SCAACC pledging to support business growth, promote enterprises, and improve ties between Kenyan businesses and African American entrepreneurs in South Carolina and across the U.S.

The agreement outlines cooperation in:

  • Exhibitions and Trade Fairs: Facilitating the participation of Kenyan enterprises in U.S. trade fairs and encouraging U.S. businesses to showcase in Kenya.
  • Business Information Exchange: Sharing up-to-date market intelligence, commercial legislation updates, and trade opportunities to ease market entry for businesses.
  • Technology and Innovation: Promoting technological exchange, innovation-driven partnerships, and knowledge transfer between the two countries.
  • Delegations and Networking: Organizing trade missions, economic delegations, and networking platforms to foster direct business linkages.
  • Publications and Communication: Establishing information-sharing platforms including open website links and regular publications to increase visibility of opportunities.

This partnership is expected to deliver significant benefits for Kenyan businesses, including:

  • Market Access: Providing Kenyan SMEs and large enterprises access to South Carolina and U.S. markets through structured trade linkages.
  • Investment Opportunities: Attracting U.S. investors into Kenya’s key sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, ICT, renewable energy, and tourism.
  • Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills of Kenyan businesses through exposure to U.S. technology, innovation, and best practices.
  • Diaspora Linkages: Strengthening ties with the African American business community, opening new avenues for cultural and economic exchange.
  • Economic Growth: Supporting Kenya’s agenda of expanding exports, diversifying trade partners, and creating employment through private sector-led growth.

Speaking during the signing, Simon Nyagah, KNCCI Chair of the Diaspora Committee emphasized:
“This partnership opens new doors for our members to tap into the U.S. market, expand investment opportunities, and foster knowledge exchange. It is a bold step by both organization in strengthening Kenya–U.S. business relations, particularly with the African American business community that shares deep historic and cultural ties with Africa.”

On his part, Stephen Gilchrist, Chairman of SCAACC, added:
“We are committed to building strong bridges of trade and investment between South Carolina and Kenya. This collaboration will empower businesses on both sides to grow, innovate, and prosper in a globalized economy.”

The agreement was signed during a high-level engagement with the United States Africa Trade Desk (USATD) CEO Gavin Van Der Burgh which saw Kenya open new doors for Kenya’s agricultural exports, financing, and largescale investment partnerships including U.S. retail markets. Already discussions are ongoing with retain giant Walmart to buy agricultural commodities including Kenyan tea, coffee, macadamia and flowers which will ensure visibility on store shelves and stronger demand for Kenyan produce.