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.

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The President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Dr. Erick Rutto, today hosted Kenya’s incoming High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Ambassador Maurice Makoloo, ahead of the commencement of his new diplomatic assignment.

During the meeting, Ambassador Makoloo engaged with the Chamber to gain insights into the key opportunities and priorities the Kenyan private sector is pursuing in the UK market, particularly in trade, services, and potential areas of collaboration. He emphasized the importance of establishing a strong and strategic partnership between the Kenyan Embassy in London and KNCCI to advance bilateral trade and investment relations.

In his remarks, Dr. Rutto outlined several opportunities available to Kenyan enterprises in the UK market, including export expansion for tea, coffee, horticultural products, fruits, and vegetables. He further noted the potential for joint value addition ventures through partnerships between Kenyan and UK firms, which can enhance competitiveness and create jobs locally.

Dr. Rutto also highlighted Kenya’s interest in exploring the UK’s financial ecosystem for enhanced access to finance and investment capital, given its position as a global financial hub. Additional areas of mutual interest identified include  where both countries can benefit from shared expertise and sustainable investment models.

The meeting also discussed plans for a Kenya–UK Trade Mission scheduled for 2026, to be spearheaded by KNCCI in collaboration with the Kenyan Embassy in London. The mission aims to deepen trade relations, open new export markets, and strengthen business partnerships between enterprises from both nations.

The engagement underscored KNCCI’s commitment to strengthening public-private diplomacy and ensuring that Kenya’s private sector remains a driving force in advancing the country’s trade and investment agenda globally.

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The delegation was led by the Director General for External Trade, Mr. Stephen Matatia, and was received by the KNCCI Secretariat under the leadership of Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. KK Mutai.

During the discussions, the South Sudanese officials sought to gain insights into KNCCI’s operations, particularly its successes, challenges, and best practices that could be adapted to strengthen the capacity of their sister chamber in South Sudan. The engagement also focused on how both countries can enhance knowledge sharing, foster closer collaboration, and boost bilateral trade relations.

The delegation also included senior officials from the Ministry’s Domestic Trade, Private Sector Development, and Planning, Research & Statistics departments, reflecting South Sudan’s commitment to building stronger institutional frameworks for trade and investment.

KNCCI reiterated its commitment to working closely with the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce and relevant stakeholders to promote regional integration, private sector growth, and mutually beneficial trade partnerships.

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The government is currently focused on the construction of the Nairobi Expressway alongside the Bus Rapid Transit system, two projects that are expected to significantly decongest Nairobi.There is also the affordable housing programme aimed at facilitating the ownership of decent housing for those in low and middle-income brackets who are unable to own decent homes due to the prohibitive land and construction costs.

Ngatia said the country was ripe for international investors.“We invite more UK companies and investors in key industries and export programmes through the development of industrial parks, establishment of special economic zones in the areas of manufacturing, textiles and leather and automobile assembling initiatives. Like the private sector, we are open to trade cooperation and collaboration. The UK is, has been and will continue to be a great market for Kenya’s products,” Ngatia said.During his inaugural speech in the official opening of the forum, UK Prime Minister Borris Johnson said mutually beneficial partnerships were the way to go.“But rather than being arranged on extraordinarily one-sided terms and delivered by a vast imported workforce, without wishing to cast aspersions on any other potential partner, it was a sustainable deal that created jobs for ordinary Kenyans now and in the future.

He added, “And it was made all the easier for British businesses to work and trade with their Kenyan counterparts and vice-versa. I’m told that probably partly as a result of what is going on in Mombasa half of all the tea drunk in the UK comes to us from Kenya. Think of that. Britain without a nice cup of tea is barely worth thinking about, and that means Britain without Kenya is barely worth thinking about.”

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Nansha is state level new zone; a pilot free trade zone; a demonstration zone for comprehensive cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

During the engagement, the Chamber president stated that the Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) is an additional chapter in the history of relations between China and African countries especially Kenya. “The BRI is continuing to promote international trade between China and Kenya and that Kenya being the hub of East and Central Africa, it is the only way that China can penetrate it’s Market to Africa.” He added.

Chamber president urged the Nansha investors wishing to invest in Kenya take advantage of the Special Economic Zones, as they will offer optimal revenue outputs due to preferential treatment on matters such as licensing.

Adding his sentiments, Director of Special Economic Zones Mr. Eazhawa said by tapping into SEZs, investors will be assured of returns. “There are various tax benefits granted to companies operating in special economic zones, this will bring high return of investments,” added Mr Eazhawa.

Weng Shuwu, Director of Policy Research Office, Guangzhou Nansha, said that Nansha being the geographical center of the Great Bay Area and where Guangdong’s biggest pilot free trade zones locates, with no doubt, is one of the most livable and lovable place in the area for every dreamer.

The China Advanced Semiconductor Industry Innovation Alliance launched its Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area committee in Nansha district that reached a strategic  cooperation agreement with the administrative committee of Nansha Development Zone to establish an advanced semiconductor innovation center focused on the new energy vehicle industry with related companies.

Areas of Collaboration – Kenya

• Big 4 Agenda
• Blue Economy
• ICT
• Mining
• Infrastructure
• Special Economic Zone

Areas of Collaboration – Nansha

• Shipping and Logistics
• High-End Manufacturing
• Sci-tech Innovation
• Finance
• Life Science and Healthcare

The two teams agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between KNCCI and other specific sectoral associations in Nansha to help achieve their mandate.

Angela Ndambuki, CEO assured the delegation of Chamber support going forward in matters related to business and investment.

Incoming and outgoing trade mission to Kenya and Nansha was proposed.

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During their discussion, H. E Ambassador Joseph stated the need to have a more interactive trade between the Countries through Identification of importers/exporters from Kenya as a gateway to open and improving businesses in Sierra Leone.

Chamber President on his side noted that Sierra Leone provides a huge market opportunity for Kenya processed consumer goods, pharmaceutical products and therefore Kenya should take advantage of these opportunities to help improve the volume of trade which is currently on the low.

KNCCI President assured the Ambassador of the private sector commitment to promote the exchange of cooperation in education, investment and enhancement of public private partnerships.

The discussions also saw the need of the two Countries establishing a Joint Business Council that will make them work together to promote the Africa Continental Free Trade agenda.

Due to infancy of Sierra Leone’s economy, Kenya can provide the much needed human resource in areas of IT, Medicine, engineering, manufacturing and industrial development, transport and logistics, Agribusiness and agro processing.

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