The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) continues to enhance its institutional capacity and global competitiveness through participation in high-level international training programs. This week a Kenyan delegation comprising KNCCI leaders joined representatives from several developing nations at the 2025 Seminar on Small Commodity Market Construction for Developing Countries, held at Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) in Jinhua, China.

The 14-day program, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and organized by ZJNU, aims to strengthen trade capacity among developing countries by sharing China’s experience in building dynamic small commodity markets and sustainable trade ecosystems. Participants included delegates from Egypt, The Gambia, Kenya, Malaysia, Moldova, Mozambique, South Sudan, Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa.

Kenya was represented by Zainabu Mohamed, KNCCI National Director and Chairperson of Women in Business; Alice Mungai, Director KNCCI Nairobi Chapter; Laura Kandie, Director KNCCI Elgeyo Marakwet Chapter; Andrew Leaakano, Chairman KNCCI Samburu Chapter; Michael Omino of DTB Bank Kenya; Leon Mbugua – Game Stream Ltd.

The training combines theoretical sessions, field visits, and cultural immersion designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of China’s market economy and its globally recognized small commodity trade model. Key topics include:

  • National and regional economic development strategies
  • Business-environment optimization
  • Digital transformation of SMEs
  • Cross-border e-commerce
  • Industrial innovation and market sustainability

Participants are visiting strategic sites such as Yiwu International Trade City, Hangzhou Rokid Technology, and the Pujiang Crystal Industrial Park to witness firsthand how innovation, technology, and structured market systems can drive inclusive growth.

The program also integrates cultural components, such as exploring the Silk Road heritage and traditional craft industries, highlighting the synergy between culture, trade, and innovation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Through this seminar, KNCCI is equipping its leadership with valuable insights to guide the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and market infrastructure in Kenya. The lessons learned will help the Chamber and its partners replicate best practices in:

  • Strengthening local markets and trade centers
  • Fostering SME growth and competitiveness
  • Enhancing women-led trade and entrepreneurship
  • Leveraging digital technologies for cross-border trade

According to Zainabu Mohamed, KNCCI’s participation reflects the Chamber’s commitment to building capacity and fostering international partnerships that can accelerate Kenya’s market development. “This program offers an excellent opportunity to learn from China’s success in small commodity markets and adapt relevant strategies to empower local traders, SMEs, and women entrepreneurs across Kenya,” she noted.

The expected outcome of this capacity-building initiative includes improved market linkages, enhanced export readiness for Kenyan SMEs, and stronger cooperation between Kenya and China in trade and industrial development. By investing in such international training opportunities, KNCCI aims to position Kenya as a regional hub for structured market systems, innovation-driven entrepreneurship, and sustainable trade practices.