The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) today hosted a delegation from Absa Group led by Elizabeth Wasunna, Director of Strategic Partnerships, for discussions on potential collaboration during the upcoming Chamber@60 celebrations.

The meeting was received by KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto, accompanied by KNCCI National Director Ken Onditi and Women in Business (WIB) Advisor Nancy Muthoni.

During the discussions, Dr. Rutto highlighted the significance of the Chamber@60 celebrations, which will feature activities across 10 counties culminating in a three-day flagship event in Nairobi. The celebrations are expected to attract local and international investors, business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond.

Key highlights of the planned celebrations include:

  • Participation of over 350 exhibitors, including 50 exhibitors from Kenyan counties.
  • Confirmation of more than 70 companies from China and 100 businesses from the East African Community region.
  • Participation of chambers of commerce and business delegations from countries including Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Djibouti, and other African markets.
  • The prestigious Kenya Business Awards, which will recognize outstanding business achievements and innovation.
  • A dedicated Deal Room that will facilitate direct engagement between investors and financiers to unlock investment and financing opportunities.

Dr. Rutto noted that KNCCI will also facilitate targeted Business-to-Business (B2B) engagements for Absa clients during the celebrations, creating opportunities for partnerships, trade expansion, and investment deals.

Speaking during the meeting, Elizabeth Wasunna expressed Absa’s interest in supporting the Chamber@60 initiative and leveraging its presence across 13 African countries to attract exhibitors and investors. She emphasized the importance of positioning exhibitors as both buyers and sellers, promoting meaningful deal-making opportunities, and encouraging the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) as measurable outcomes of the event.

Absa also underscored the need for well-developed promotional materials to attract the right business connections and maximize networking opportunities.

Among the opportunities discussed was the possibility of Absa South Africa partnering with KNCCI and the South African Chamber to host an East African business event, while Absa Ghana could play a key role in strengthening trade and investment linkages between East and West Africa.

Next Steps

  • Absa will leverage its network across 13 African countries to attract exhibitors, investors, and business delegations to the Chamber@60 celebrations.
  • KNCCI and Absa will establish a joint technical working group to coordinate partnership activities and ensure successful delivery of the Chamber@60 programme.