KENYA -EGYPT BUSINESS MATCHMAKING FORUM

The Embassy of The Arab Republic of Egypt, The Egyptian Food Export Council (EFEC) and KONZEPT exhibition, Events and marketing have organized the Nile Food Africa Trade Initiative in Nairobi, Kenya. The initiative had previously taken place in South Sudan, Sudan , Uganda and Tanzania.

The Nile Food Africa Trade Initiative is organized in collaboration with both the public and private sector players namely; The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI), Egyptian Commercial Service (ECS), The Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development and The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).

The business forum took place this morning at the Nairobi Serena Hotel and was officiated by Mr. Alla Elwaki, Head of the Egyptian delegation who gave his appreciation to all the key players in the planning of the business forum and stated that he was looking forward to the realization of mutual benefits between the Kenyan and Egyptian business community.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) was represented by Mr. Samuel Matonda, Chief Executive Officer who in his remarks stated that one of the strong convictions Egypt and Kenya share is that economic and trade cooperation leads to growth and prosperity for the people. He alluded that the meeting was aimed to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and ultimately deliver business dividends to both economies. He added that in the recent past, the diaspora has demonstrated keen interest to invest in Africa, with Egypt and Kenya being the preferred destinations and as gateways to the North and East African region respectively. Africa is fast emerging as one of the most important markets for the European, United States, Asian and Gulf region Market

Kenya’s economy is a strong driving force for regional economic development. Kenya has enormous development resilience, potential and room for growth for it has the highest share of the population with access to financial services in Sub-Saharan Africa.

KNCCI has strived to promote trade and investment through organizing different activities: Trade Mission to Cairo, Egypt (3rd-7th July 2021), Cairo Chamber of Commerce and KNCCI MoU signing (2021), Formation of Joint Business Council and Joint partnerships with several stakeholders (Food Export Council, Egyptian Commercial Service, Mayfair, Africa Salihiya)

He concluded by mentioning the importance of the mutual understanding with a positive attitude that would promote the development of bilateral relations and escalate the growth of business cooperation. The forum is only one among a series of many others, before and in the future. He encouraged the Egyptian business counterparts to consult and cooperate with KNCCI.

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) was represented by Mr. Victor Ogola, Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Competitiveness and Operations who encouraged the Egyptian business people to invest in Kenya and explore the different opportunities. He stated that KEPSA is in the forefront to ensure that the economy is protected despite 2022 being an electioneering period.

Mr. Oliver Konje who is the acting Director International Trade at the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise Development appreciated Egypt for being the second in the imports of Kenyan tea, He emphasized that that was enough proof that the bilateral trade relations between Kenya and Egypt was excellent and growing by the day.

The Business-to-Business(B2B) forum was officially launched by H.E Mr. Khaled Elabyad , The Egyptian Ambassador to Kenya. He appreciated the Kenyan government for ensuring ease of doing business between the two countries. He welcomed the Egyptian business delegation and encouraged them to scout for as many opportunities as possible in order to promote both imports and exports between the two countries.

EGYPTIAN FOOD COMPANIES