Chamber President Dr. Erick Rutto held a high-level engagement with H.E. Ambassador Danlami Ibrahim, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Kenya, focused on strengthening commercial relations between Kenya and Nigeria, opening new markets for businesses and building stronger private-sector linkages between East and West Africa.

A key focus of the meeting was the upcoming Africa Commerce & Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026, scheduled for 14–16 October. Dr. Rutto formally invited the Nigerian High Commission to participate and encouraged Nigeria to establish a dedicated pavilion showcasing Nigerian enterprises, products, investment opportunities and capabilities.

The High Commission welcomed the invitation and expressed its willingness to mobilise Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to participate. The engagement positioned ACIS as an important platform for connecting Kenyan and Nigerian businesses, generating B2B opportunities and translating the strong bilateral relationship into practical commercial partnerships.

Discussions noted that the scale of commercial engagement between two of Africa’s major economies remains below its potential. Both sides explored opportunities to strengthen two-way trade, broaden market access and connect credible businesses in sectors where there is clear demand and complementarity.

Among the opportunities discussed were Kenyan exports including sisal fibre, hides and skins, alongside Nigerian strengths in manufacturing, textiles, petroleum-related products and consumer goods. KNCCI emphasised its role in identifying credible enterprises, facilitating business connections and helping Kenyan companies access new markets across the continent.

The discussions also addressed the importance of strengthening confidence in cross-border transactions through reliable documentation, trusted business networks and improved trade facilitation.

Dr. Rutto highlighted KNCCI’s commitment to positioning Kenya as an accessible gateway for investment and business while simultaneously helping Kenyan enterprises look beyond traditional markets and build stronger commercial links across Africa.

The engagement also touched on business mobility and visa facilitation, opportunities for stronger people-to-people and private-sector connections, and the need for sustained engagement between business communities in both countries.

The Nigerian High Commission is also preparing a Nigeria–Kenya Business Forum in Nairobi, with KNCCI expected to support mobilisation of its membership and connect Nigerian businesses with relevant Kenyan counterparts. The engagement will complement Nigeria’s Independence celebrations and other bilateral activities planned for early October.

Also participating in the discussions were Muhammad Zayyanu Bandiya, Minister (Political) and Deputy Permanent Representative of Nigeria; Sonia from the Nigerian High Commission; KNCCI Head of Events and ACIS Implementation Committee lead Rahab Muturi; and Trade Department representative Sharon Karani.

The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to move Kenya–Nigeria relations beyond diplomatic goodwill towards stronger business partnerships, expanded market access, investment linkages and practical opportunities for enterprises in both countries.

For KNCCI, the engagement forms part of the Chamber’s wider agenda of opening Kenya for business, connecting Kenyan enterprises to new markets and using ACIS 2026 as a platform to deepen intra-African trade and investment.