The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), successfully hosted the Kenya–Zimbabwe Investment and Trade Mission in Nairobi under the theme “Unlocking Business Potential through Policy, Partnerships, and Productivity.”

The high-level engagement brought together government officials, business leaders, and investors from both nations to explore practical avenues for expanding bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

KNCCI National Director Joseph Mutavi who represented Chamber Preesident Dr Eric Rutto, underscored the Chamber’s commitment to fostering private-sector-driven partnerships that would lead to tangible business outcomes, particularly in agro-processing, manufacturing, and technology transfer. Mr. Mutavi lamented on the sad state of trade between the two nations, noting that between 2022 and 2024, Kenya–Zimbabwe trade averaged only USD 39 million annually—representing just 0.25% of their global trade volumes. Kenya exported USD 22.1 million worth of goods, mainly value-added products, while importing USD 16.9 million, mostly raw tobacco and sugar.

He observed that while Kenya’s exports to Zimbabwe are diversified and value-added, Zimbabwe’s exports remain concentrated in raw commodities.

“Africa will not industrialize by exporting raw materials to each other. We must collaborate on value addition,” he asserted.

Mr. Mutavi called on both sides to use this trade mission as a launch-pad for industrial partnerships that bring stability, predictability, and growth to the bilateral relationship.

In his remarks during the opening session, Advocate Christopher Mugaga, CEO of ZNCC, highlighted the long-standing relations between the two countries and called for strengthened collaboration to unlock Africa’s collective potential through trade and industrial linkages. Mrs. ZNCC Deputy President, also noted that the mission was timely as both economies seek to diversify exports, deepen value addition, and benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The second session focused on identifying key investment and trade opportunities between Kenya and Zimbabwe. Presentations were made by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), and ZimTrade, who unpacked opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, ICT, and tourism.

Speakers from both KNCCI and ZNCC emphasized the need to shift from exporting raw materials to producing and trading in value-added goods.

“For Zimbabwe, this means moving up the value chain by leveraging Kenya’s agro-processing expertise, while for Kenya, it means tapping into Zimbabwe’s mineral and industrial potential to support manufacturing and infrastructure growth,” said Fatma Bashir, Head of Trade department at KNCCI

In his closing remarks, KNCCI Ag CEO Mr. K.K. Mutai called for a paradigm shift, urging both sides to focus on value addition, industrial linkages, and technology integration. He underscored that the AfCFTA presents a transformative framework for deepening this partnership—through eliminating tariff barriers, harmonizing standards, and fostering integrated regional value chains.

The afternoon sessions were dedicated to sector-specific B2B matchmaking, facilitated jointly by KNCCI and ZNCC. Participants explored concrete partnership opportunities in agro-processing, industrial manufacturing, logistics, and technology transfer.

The Kenya–Zimbabwe Investment and Trade Mission reaffirmed the shared vision of both countries to harness policy, partnerships, and productivity as catalysts for industrial transformation.

KNCCI and ZNCC leaders agreed on the need to institutionalize business exchanges, promote joint ventures, and facilitate regular trade missions under the AfCFTA framework to sustain momentum.