The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President, Dr. Erick Rutto, hosted a delegation from the Kenya-Benelux Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KBCCI) at KNCCI Headquarters in Nairobi, led by Baron Olivier N. Vanden Eynde, alongside Jacques Buith, to explore opportunities for strengthening trade, investment and business partnerships between Kenya, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in agribusiness and value addition, healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturing, ICT and the digital economy, circular economy, logistics and infrastructure development, and access to financing for SMEs.

The delegation highlighted opportunities to connect Kenyan enterprises with a network of 26 European companies interested in expanding their investments and business operations in Kenya, positioning the country as a strategic gateway to the wider African market.

Dr. Rutto emphasized KNCCI’s commitment to facilitating business-to-business linkages, attracting foreign direct investment, strengthening export readiness and unlocking financing opportunities for Kenyan enterprises through its nationwide network.

Both parties agreed to pursue structured collaboration, including investment matchmaking, technology transfer, potential trade missions and stronger institutional partnerships to translate identified opportunities into tangible business outcomes.

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The missions targeted strategic sectors including tea, coffee, fast-moving consumer goods, beverages, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology services. Based on initial findings, the committee described the missions as a success.

In total, 18 Kenyan companies participated across both missions, leading to:

• Four agreements signed, including two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between KNCCI and both the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) and the Lusaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
• Orders worth Kshs. 34 million secured for Kenyan businesses.

The evaluation further revealed that Kenya’s services sector continues to dominate in Africa, with innovation in financial services giving local fintech firms a competitive edge. However, the slow adoption of fintech solutions in some African markets remains a challenge to scaling further.

Despite the rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Kenyan companies still face hurdles when expanding beyond the East African Community. These include non-tariff barriers such as border delays, restrictive licensing processes, and regulatory barriers related to ownership requirements.

Looking ahead, the committee recommended that Kenya should continue to leverage its strengths in the services sector while KNCCI intensifies policy advocacy with relevant ministries to ease cargo movement and expand access to new markets.

As part of its mandate, KNCCI reaffirmed its commitment to providing market intelligence and research support to members to enable them to tap into emerging opportunities across Africa.

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The MoU was signed by KNCCI Chair of the Diaspora Committee Simon Nyagah, and , Chairman of SCAACC, with both KNCCI & SCAACC pledging to support business growth, promote enterprises, and improve ties between Kenyan businesses and African American entrepreneurs in South Carolina and across the U.S.

The agreement outlines cooperation in:

• Exhibitions and Trade Fairs: Facilitating the participation of Kenyan enterprises in U.S. trade fairs and encouraging U.S. businesses to showcase in Kenya.
• Business Information Exchange: Sharing up-to-date market intelligence, commercial legislation updates, and trade opportunities to ease market entry for businesses.
• Technology and Innovation: Promoting technological exchange, innovation-driven partnerships, and knowledge transfer between the two countries.
• Delegations and Networking: Organizing trade missions, economic delegations, and networking platforms to foster direct business linkages.
• Publications and Communication: Establishing information-sharing platforms including open website links and regular publications to increase visibility of opportunities.

This partnership is expected to deliver significant benefits for Kenyan businesses, including:

• Market Access: Providing Kenyan SMEs and large enterprises access to South Carolina and U.S. markets through structured trade linkages.
• Investment Opportunities: Attracting U.S. investors into Kenya’s key sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, ICT, renewable energy, and tourism.
• Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills of Kenyan businesses through exposure to U.S. technology, innovation, and best practices.
• Diaspora Linkages: Strengthening ties with the African American business community, opening new avenues for cultural and economic exchange.
• Economic Growth: Supporting Kenya’s agenda of expanding exports, diversifying trade partners, and creating employment through private sector-led growth.

Speaking during the signing, Simon Nyagah, KNCCI Chair of the Diaspora Committee emphasized:
“This partnership opens new doors for our members to tap into the U.S. market, expand investment opportunities, and foster knowledge exchange. It is a bold step by both organization in strengthening Kenya–U.S. business relations, particularly with the African American business community that shares deep historic and cultural ties with Africa.”

On his part, Stephen Gilchrist, Chairman of SCAACC, added:
“We are committed to building strong bridges of trade and investment between South Carolina and Kenya. This collaboration will empower businesses on both sides to grow, innovate, and prosper in a globalized economy.”

The agreement was signed during a high-level engagement with the United States Africa Trade Desk (USATD) CEO Gavin Van Der Burgh which saw Kenya open new doors for Kenya’s agricultural exports, financing, and largescale investment partnerships including U.S. retail markets. Already discussions are ongoing with retain giant Walmart to buy agricultural commodities including Kenyan tea, coffee, macadamia and flowers which will ensure visibility on store shelves and stronger demand for Kenyan produce.

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The Dawoodi Bohra Community extended an invitation to KNCCI and its members to participate in a three-day International Business Expo, scheduled to run from 8th to 10th August 2025 at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The expo is expected to bring together over 250 investors from across the globe, providing a unique platform for Kenyan businesses to network, showcase their offerings, and explore investment and trade partnerships. The event will conclude with a high-level business seminar and networking session on Sunday, aimed at strengthening investor engagement and cross-sector collaboration.

A key highlight of the discussion was the Dawoodi Bohra Community’s commitment to affordable housing development, being spearheaded in partnership with Kings Development. The delegation emphasized their approach to promoting local industries and the Jua Kali sector by procuring raw materials and engaging local artisans in construction projects. This inclusive model not only supports community empowerment but also creates market opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Kenya.

Several economic sectors are set to benefit from this initiative, including real estate, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, health, food production, transport, tourism, and hospitality. The community is keen on leveraging the expo to connect investors to these sectors, while simultaneously enhancing visibility and access for local businesses.

In addition, discussions are underway to establish a strategic partnership between KNCCI and the Dawoodi Bohra Community focused on corporate social responsibility (CSR). The partnership would explore joint initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, skills development, and social impact projects within Kenyan communities.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen collaboration and ensure that KNCCI members are well-positioned to benefit from the upcoming expo and future joint programs.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) this morning hosted a high-level delegation from the Association of Small and Medium Knowledge Industries (ASMKI), India. The delegation, led by ASMKI President Shri Nalin Kohli, is in Kenya on a mission to establish strategic partnerships with local SMEs and startups in key knowledge sectors.

ASMKI represents India’s thriving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in areas such as electronics, software, defense and security, biotechnology and healthcare, and clean technologies. The delegation is exploring avenues for technology transfer, business collaboration, and joint ventures with Kenyan enterprises. This effort is part of India’s broader strategy to increase its market presence in Africa, offering quality and cost-effective alternatives to Western corporations.

Welcoming the delegation, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized the significance of South-South cooperation and acknowledged the valuable lessons Kenya can learn from India’s SME-led innovation ecosystem. “India has demonstrated how SMEs in knowledge sectors can drive large-scale job creation, innovation, and inclusive development. Kenya can benefit immensely through technology and skills transfer, particularly in high-impact sectors like software development, biotech, and healthcare,” said Dr. Rutto.

He further highlighted KNCCI’s commitment to facilitating platforms where local entrepreneurs can access global expertise, partnerships, and markets. “The future of trade is knowledge-based. Our role is to ensure Kenyan businesses are equipped, connected, and competitive.”

The two sides discussed opportunities for joint innovation, market linkages, and capacity-building initiatives tailored for Kenyan SMEs. Of particular interest was ASMKI’s proposal to support local tech hubs and innovation centers in accessing Indian technology solutions, training, and mentorship.

The Association also revealed plans to host a major Technology Summit later this year, which will serve as a platform to connect Indian knowledge-based SMEs with partners across Africa, including Kenya. KNCCI expressed its readiness to support the summit and mobilize relevant stakeholders from the public and private sectors to ensure impactful engagement.

This visit aligns with KNCCI’s broader strategy to promote innovation-driven entrepreneurship, strengthen bilateral commercial relations, and unlock opportunities in emerging industries critical to Kenya’s economic transformation.

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In the meeting, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto reaffirmed the Chamber’s mission to promote and protect the commercial and industrial interests of Kenyan businesses. He emphasized that the government remains a natural and strategic partner in achieving this mission, especially in advancing inclusive economic growth and enterprise development.

“Any partnership with government is a shared opportunity to unlock value and deliver on our mandates,” said Dr. Rutto. He further called for urgent attention to pressing issues facing the business community, notably high and multiple taxes, mounting pending bills, and persistent youth unemployment.

On his part, Mr. Jaoko outlined a series of ongoing policy reforms and development programmes spearheaded by the Office of the President to foster a more inclusive and competitive business environment. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those owned by youth, women, persons with disabilities, and those in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).

Mr. Jaoko noted that KNCCI’s national reach through its 47 county chapters positions it as an ideal partner for grassroots-level implementation, advisory, and education related to these programmes. He underscored the importance of pro-investment policies in uplifting the informal and formal sectors alike and welcomed KNCCI’s engagement in co-creating solutions that benefit the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Both parties agreed to formalize the partnership and pledged to maintain continuous collaboration. This engagement builds on the recent commitment made by the President of the Republic of Kenya during a State House meeting in April 2025, where it was announced that quarterly roundtable meetings would be held with KNCCI to ensure consistent dialogue and policy alignment.

As Kenya charts a course toward economic inclusivity and empowerment, this partnership signals a renewed commitment to harnessing public-private collaboration as a catalyst for national development.

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This afternoon, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President, Dr. Erick Rutto, hosted a high-level delegation from the Asian African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI) led by Founder and Chairman Dr. G.D. Singh, Director General Mr. M.J. Puri, Director Ms. Nancy Muthoni, and Director Ms. Jackie Ayiro.

The courtesy visit marked the beginning of meaningful engagements between KNCCI and AACCI, with a shared commitment to fostering trade, investment, and industrial partnerships across Africa and Asia. The meeting featured in-depth discussions with key stakeholders aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in strategic sectors critical to economic growth.

Key Areas of Collaboration Discussed:

Affordable Housing

The delegation explored the potential of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to drive affordable housing initiatives in Kenya. Discussions focused on land acquisition, government-backed guarantees to support project uptake, and engaging local companies in construction through Double AA contractors.

Agriculture & Digitalization

The team emphasized the importance of formalizing SMEs in agriculture and embracing AgriTech solutions to enhance productivity. The digital transformation of Kenya’s agriculture sector emerged as a key priority, with AACCI offering support for technological integration.

Industrial Opportunities

Opportunities in Kenya’s construction and manufacturing sectors were also discussed, including possibilities for value addition and local industrial development through cross-continental expertise and capital investment.

Trade & Investment

The leaders explored organizing joint trade missions, including India–Africa business delegations, B2B matchmaking forums, and the establishment of a dedicated Investment Centre. The team also reviewed potential collaborations in special economic zones, increased imports from India, and strengthened bilateral commodity exchange.

Upcoming Joint Initiatives

The AACCI team shared updates on the upcoming “Prime Billionaires” event in Dubai this October, which will serve as a platform for Africa–Asia networking, deal-making, and showcasing investment-ready opportunities from Kenya and the region.

This impactful visit, coordinated by the AACCI Kenya Chapter, laid the groundwork for long-term collaboration between the two chambers. Both sides expressed their commitment to deepening partnerships, driving innovation, and creating shared prosperity across the continents.

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Zimbabwe ratified the AfCFTA in May 2019, becoming one of the early adopters. However, it did not complete the necessary domestic legal frameworks—such as tariff schedules and rules of origin—by the time the AfCFTA’s Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) concluded in January 2024. Drawing from lessons of other pioneer countries like Kenya and Ghana, Dr. Rutto emphasized the importance of infrastructure, digital customs systems, political commitment, and private sector readiness.

He highlighted the immense opportunities AfCFTA offers Zimbabwe: access to a 1.4 billion-person market, export diversification beyond minerals and tobacco, industrial development through regional value chains, job creation, and enhanced SME participation. Zimbabwe’s strengths include an educated workforce, strong agricultural and textile sectors, established Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and alignment of national strategy (NDS1) with AfCFTA goals.

However, challenges remain. These include customs inefficiencies, low SME awareness, limited industrial capacity, and currency volatility. Dr. Rutto emphasized that while AfCFTA implementation is plausible, it requires coordinated action.

Key proposals included finalizing domestic AfCFTA instruments, selecting high-value export products, upgrading trade infrastructure, enhancing SME capacity, and forming a national AfCFTA implementation committee.

Dr. Rutto concluded that Zimbabwe has the potential to become a key player in Africa’s economic integration if reforms, infrastructure, and private-sector alignment are prioritized.

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The delegation met with KNCCI department heads, gaining insights into:
How KNCCI champions SMEs as the voice of Kenya’s business sector
Policies and legal frameworks supporting SME growth, employment & economic development
The vital roles of the financial and ICT sectors in SME success

KNCCI is proud to share Kenya’s journey and strengthen regional collaboration.

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The dialogue explored ways KNCCI members can benefit from CIB Kenya’s strong expertise in trade finance and SME-focused lending programs across the continent.

As a fully owned subsidiary of Egypt’s largest private sector bank—Commercial International Bank (CIB)—which is listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange and trades internationally through GDRs on the New York and London Stock Exchanges, CIB Kenya provides a robust platform for financing SMEs and enhancing cross-border business opportunities.

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