Chamber President Dr Eric Rutto is currently attending the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce 2025 Annual Congress as a guest speaker and panelist. The two day congress to be in Victoria Falls under the theme “Unlocking business potential through policy, partnerships and productivity” will see government, business executives and academia share a platform to discuss how to chart a new course amid a challenging macroeconomic environment locally and regionally.

The Chamber President discussed the need to improve trade volumes between Kenya and Zimbabwe terming the low figures (USD $33M) both a “missed opportunity and an urgent call to unlock potential.” He discussed how KNCCI is engaging its county chapters to shape inclusive policies including: influencing national budget processes to balance fiscal stability with business growth, drive dialogue with government to simplify regulation, reduce compliance costs, and align industrial policy with SME realities.

He also delved into the need for partnerships in promoting cross-border SME collaboration, Joint trade missions and alliances with development finance institutions to unlock capital for youth and women-led enterprises. He challenged the gathering to move away from merely signing MoU’s to building bankable and executable joint ventures.

On productivity he termed Africa’s main challenge as a productivity gap which can be sold by technology, skills and value chain integration. He said KNCCI continues to launch digital marketplaces to link MSMEs across borders and is supporting AfCFTA implementation through real-time data and private sector readiness forums as part of solutions to grow our trade.

He invited the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce—and Zimbabwean businesses—to partner with Kenya through: – Joint trade platforms – Cross-border investments – Youth, women and SME innovation hubs

Dr Rutto will later take part in a panel discussion session titled: “The Road Ahead for AfCFTA Implementation in Zimbabwe: Prospects, Plausibility, and Propositions” alongside Ms. Trudi Hartzenberg Executive Director – Trade Law Centre for Southern Africa (TRALAC), Hon. Sheilla Chikomo Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr. Ayodele Odusola Resident representative – UNDP Zimbabwe, Mr. Djamel Ghrib Director, Economic Development, Integration, and Trade – African Union Commission and Mr. James Chimwaza President – COMESA Business Council