KNCCI

Fairtrade Africa Champions Fair and Sustainable Trade at #WCFAfricaSummit2025 Hosted

KNCCI Comms — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:40:13 +0000

At the World Chambers Federation Summit, organized by the International Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Madeline Muga, our Strategy & Impact Director, joined a high-level panel on advancing sustainable trade.

Her message was clear and powerful:

Trade must be rooted in fairness—so that value doesn’t just move, it stays and grows where it’s needed most.

At Fairtrade Africa, we’re committed to turning that vision into reality through bold, people-centered action:

Fair pricing & market access
We support producer organizations to earn the Fairtrade Minimum Price and Premium—funds they reinvest into community-led projects in health, education, and infrastructure.

Strong producer organisations
We help build resilient cooperatives that offer access to finance, strengthen bargaining power, and ensure equitable decision-making—especially for women and youth.

Climate-smart, sustainable farming
We champion agroecological practices like intercropping and composting to protect yields, livelihoods, and the planet.

Policy & partnerships
We collaborate with key platforms including AfCFTA and the African Union to shape trade systems that work for smallholder farmers.

Value addition at origin
Through our New Product Development (NPD) project, we support producers in creating high-quality, value-added products—roasted coffee, teas, chocolate, Shea cosmetics—that can thrive in both African and global markets.

The post Fairtrade Africa Champions Fair and Sustainable Trade at #WCFAfricaSummit2025 Hosted appeared first on KNCCI.

Day 1 of the World Chambers Federation Africa Summit 2025 was nothing short of inspiring.

KNCCI Comms — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:28:37 +0000

Hosted under the banner of #WCFAfricaSummit2025, the day brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore how intra-African trade, innovation, and strategic global partnerships can accelerate the continent’s growth trajectory.

One of the standout moments was the keynote address by Yu Jianlong, Secretary General of the China Chamber of International Commerce, who delivered powerful insights on “Perspectives from China–Africa Cooperation.” He emphasized the evolving China–Africa relationship, anchored in trade, investment, technology transfer, and shared prosperity.

The post Day 1 of the World Chambers Federation Africa Summit 2025 was nothing short of inspiring. appeared first on KNCCI.

WCFAfrica Conversations Are Heating Up

KNCCI Comms — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:24:13 +0000

The highly anticipated Summit is in full swing, and key business leaders are stepping into the spotlight.

From transformative ideas to bold collaborations, Africa’s economic narrative is being redefined—right here, right now. The energy is electric , the momentum is unstoppable, and the message is clear:

The future is African.

The post WCFAfrica Conversations Are Heating Up appeared first on KNCCI.

WCF Africa Summit 2025 Officially Opened by President William Ruto

KNCCI Comms — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:19:58 +0000

The WCF Africa Summit 2025 was officially opened by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH, President of the Republic of Kenya.

In his keynote address, President Ruto hailed the Summit as a defining milestone—a bold affirmation of Africa’s rising global influence. He underscored Kenya’s role as a strategic gateway to the continent and a thriving hub for business and investment.

The post WCF Africa Summit 2025 Officially Opened by President William Ruto appeared first on KNCCI.

Women in Trade Panel Session Brief

KNCCI Comms — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:53:30 +0000

The Women in Trade panel was a dynamic and insightful session that focused on empowering women entrepreneurs, enhancing access to finance, and enabling market expansion. The session was officially opened with remarks by Elizabeth Wasuna of ABSA Bank, setting a strong foundation for discussions on inclusive economic participation.

The panel was skillfully moderated by Rose Rono, Founder of Trade Smart Consult, and featured a diverse lineup of influential speakers and leaders from across the globe.

Laure Paugam, Executive Director of the French Chamber of Commerce in Kenya, emphasized the critical need to improve access to finance for women in business. She also highlighted initiatives by the French Chamber such as the Women in Business Club, which offers market intelligence, mentorship programs, and support networks to women entrepreneurs. Laure also announced the launch of a new Euro Chamber, which aims to advocate for policies that support women in trade and promote equitable participation in international markets.

Zainab discussed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), sharing key insights and practical examples that demonstrate how women entrepreneurs can leverage the agreement to expand into new regional markets.

Marie-Christine Oghly, First Vice Chair of the World Chambers Federation (WCF), expressed concern over the underrepresentation of women in earlier summit sessions and proposed the establishment of a Women’s Council within the WCF. She announced that elections for this council will be held soon and encouraged women to vie for leadership roles within their respective chambers of commerce. Marie-Christine emphasized the importance of mentorship, private sector partnerships—particularly with banks—and capacity building through programs like Isoko and TradeMark Africa.

Rim Siam, President of the Economic Business Women Council at the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, echoed the significance of capacity building. She stressed the importance of equipping women with practical tools, such as contract drafting skills and knowledge of global trading systems, to expand their businesses internationally.

Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development in Kenya, recognized the significant role women play in the MSME sector. She highlighted several government initiatives including:

•The Private-Public Sector MSME Dialogue Platform, co-chaired by representatives from both sectors;

•The launch of inter-governmental dialogues to streamline business licensing;

•An upcoming national MSME survey to provide updated data;

•The Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Hustler Fund, which are enabling MSMEs—49% of whom are women—to build creditworthiness without relying on traditional collateral. The Hustler Fund is accessible via *254#.

The session concluded with a resounding call to action: to continue investing in women through targeted programs, partnerships, and policy frameworks that unlock their full economic potential across local, regional, and international markets.

The post Women in Trade Panel Session Brief appeared first on KNCCI.

KNCCI SIGNS MOU with the Chinese delegation from Hunan to enhance trade cooperation between KNCCI Msmes and Hunan

KNCCI Comms — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:35:15 +0000

The meeting between KNCCI and the Chinese delegation, specifically from Hunan Province, focused on strengthening bilateral trade and industrial cooperation. Both parties acknowledged the great progress made so far and committed to deepening collaboration, particularly in textile, agriculture, logistics, and technology transfer. The establishment of a trade platform through CCPIT aims to facilitate smoother exchanges between Kenya and Hunan, with emphasis on lowering transport costs for flowers, fresh produce, and other exports via air and sea. Kenya expressed interest in importing affordable industrial equipment and gaining technical expertise in processing technologies to boost local manufacturing and global exports. Furthermore, upcoming events like the World Cooperation Forum and the June China-Africa Expo were highlighted as key opportunities for engagement.

To support local enterprises, the meeting proposed training MSMEs in China on agro-processing and technology, with financing options through partner banks. There was also discussion on the need for policy reforms in Kenya, including foreign exchange controls and market regulation, to foster a conducive business environment. The cooperation between KNCCI and Hunan was noted as a strategic move to promote regional development, particularly in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Eldoret. The discussions reflected mutual respect and a shared commitment to tangible outcomes, ensuring that the partnership remains relevant, inclusive, and impactful for both countries.

The post KNCCI SIGNS MOU with the Chinese delegation from Hunan to enhance trade cooperation between KNCCI Msmes and Hunan appeared first on KNCCI.

KNCCI Signs MoU with Cape Media to Enhance MSMEs Development

KNCCI Comms — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:27:38 +0000

(KNCCI), led by Chamber President Dr. Erick Rutto, signed a strategic MoU with Cape Media — the powerhouse behind TV47 and Radio47 led by its CEO, Mwenda Njoka.

This collaboration is a bold step toward amplifying MSME voices, driving economic empowerment, and supporting local innovation.

The partnership will spotlight 5 MSMEs weekly on TV 47’s “The Grind”, Radio 47, and digital platforms, showcasing Kenyan entrepreneurship in all 47 counties.

Cape Media will also provide full coverage of the WCF Africa Summit 2025.

Also present at the signing: Cynthia Nyawira – KNCCI Director, Kihara Njuguna – KNCCI Company Secretary, and, Stephen Osedo – KNCCI Head of Counties & MSMEs.

The post KNCCI Signs MoU with Cape Media to Enhance MSMEs Development appeared first on KNCCI.

Strengthening Partnership Between KNCCI and FINSCO CONSULTING AFRICA

KNCCI Comms — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 07:17:40 +0000

Finsco Consulting Africa is a consultancy firm that specializes in providing strategic business solutions, advisory, and financial and investment services in real estate sector. The company offers expertise in areas such as management consulting, project management, business development, and risk management.

Key Areas of collaboration

1. Diaspora Expansion:
KNCCI can help FINSCO CONSULTING AFRICA expand its network within the diaspora, providing access to overseas markets and tapping into the growing demand for building materials and consulting services from expatriates. This collaboration could lead to more investments and partnerships within the global African community.

2. Introduction to Investors and Financing Partners:
FINSCO CONSULTING AFRICA can leverage KNCCI’s extensive connections with investors, venture capitalists, and financial institutions to secure funding for its projects and clients. KNCCI’s established networks could facilitate introductions to potential investors and financial partners interested in African markets.

3. Supply Chain for Building Materials:
FINSCO CONSULTING AFRICA and KNCCI can collaborate to streamline the supply chain for building materials in Africa. By leveraging KNCCI’s influence in regional markets, they can ensure smoother logistics, reduce costs, and increase the accessibility of high-quality building materials across the continent.

4. Visibility :
FINSCO CONSULTING AFRICA will benefit from the increased visibility that KNCCI offers through its events, platforms, and media outreach. This partnership can elevate FINSCO’s profile and promote its services to a wider audience, particularly in sectors like construction and investment.

Observation
FINSCO to Be Vibrant in Taking Advantage of KNCCI Platforms:
FINSCO CONSULTING AFRICA understands the importance of being proactive in utilizing KNCCI’s platforms, including trade fairs, conferences, and online forums. By engaging in these platforms, FINSCO can showcase its expertise, forge new relationships, and enhance its market presence.

Conclusion
FINSCO CONSULTING AFRICA recognizes the strategic importance of its partnership with KNCCI and is committed to renewing it. By leveraging the synergies between the two organizations, FINSCO is confident in driving forward key initiatives, increasing its reach, and contributing to Africa’s development in the building materials and consulting sectors.

The post Strengthening Partnership Between KNCCI and FINSCO CONSULTING AFRICA appeared first on KNCCI.

KNCCI Participates in High-Level Partners Briefing on Devolution Conference 2025 and Launch of DevCon Registration

KNCCI Comms — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:45:05 +0000

Earlier today, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), led by Chamber Vice President (CVP), actively participated in the high-level partners briefing meeting on the status of preparedness for the 2025 Devolution Conference. The conference is set to take place from 12th to 15th August 2025 in Homa Bay County.

The meeting was held at Mövenpick Hotel, bringing together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Council of Governors (CoG), development partners, and private sector leaders.

During the discussions, the CVP Mr Mustapha, emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration between KNCCI and CoG to promote trade and investment at the county level. He highlighted the importance of fostering a business-friendly environment in counties through policy frameworks, investment attraction, and market linkages for local businesses.

KNCCI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting county-level economic transformation by leveraging its networks and expertise to enhance business opportunities across all 47 counties. The Chamber looks forward to engaging further with stakeholders to ensure a successful and impactful Devolution Conference 2025.

The post KNCCI Participates in High-Level Partners Briefing on Devolution Conference 2025 and Launch of DevCon Registration appeared first on KNCCI.

5th Cohort Delegation’s Participation in Affordable Housing Seminar in China

KNCCI COMMUNICATION — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:20:29 +0000

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) is proud to announce that the 5th Cohort Delegation is currently attending the Affordable Housing Development Management Seminar in Changsha, Hunan Province – China.

Running from 1st April to 21st April, 2025, the program brings together 21 participants from over 13 counties across Kenya.

Over the three-week training, delegates will gain insights into China’s successful approaches to affordable housing, including prefabricated construction, green building practices, policy frameworks, financing models, and urban planning.

This initiative underscores KNCCI’s commitment to fostering knowledge exchange, innovation, and capacity building in Kenya’s housing sector.

The post 5th Cohort Delegation’s Participation in Affordable Housing Seminar in China appeared first on KNCCI.