The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) hosted its National Governing Council Meeting yesterday, marked by the presence of esteemed dignitaries and partners. The gathering was illuminated by insightful addresses from His Excellency Mr. Damptey Bediako Asare, the Ghanaian High Commissioner to Kenya, and Mr. Ahmed Farah, TradeMark Africa Country Director, among others.

Ghanaian High Commissioner Stresses Kenya-Ghana Economic Ties

In a compelling speech, His Excellency Mr. Damptey Bediako Asare emphasized the historical and economic bonds between Ghana and Kenya. He underscored the transformation of these ties into substantial economic partnerships under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The High Commissioner highlighted the bilateral trade successes, including Kenyan-made batteries and Ghanaian beverages, as shining examples of AfCFTA’s potential. He also called for collaborative resilience against global economic challenges, including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

TradeMark Africa’s Pledge for Regional Economic Growth

Representing TradeMark Africa, Mr. Ahmed Farah outlined their commitment to bolstering regional trade. He touched upon initiatives aimed at infrastructure development, trade facilitation through digitalization, and support for women traders through platforms like iSOKO. Farah lauded the collaborative efforts with KNCCI, especially post the election of  The Chamber President Dr. Erick Rutto, highlighting significant strides in digital advancement and service automation within county chambers.

KNCCI Board of Trustees and Strategic Dialogues

The significance of the meeting was underscored by the presence of the KNCCI Board of Trustees. This session transformed into a hub of influential figures, highlighting the importance of engaging in strategic dialogues, advocacy, and the development of policies crucial for enhancing trade and business across Africa.

GIZ’s Role in Sustainable Economic Development

Mr. Bernd Lakemeier – Head of Cluster, Sustainable Economic Development and Youth Employment at GIZ  , underscored their organization’s commitment to partnering with KNCCI. Focusing on sustainable development, Lakemeier highlighted GIZ’s plans in areas such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Private Sector Development, and the Digitalization of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The KNCCI National Governing Council Meeting not only served as a platform for high-level discussions but also reinforced the chamber’s role in fostering economic partnerships across Africa. The commitments and plans unveiled promise to pave the way for a more connected and economically resilient African continent.

We extend our deepest gratitude to AAR Insurance for their sponsorship towards the National Governing Council Meeting  and look forward to future opportunities to work together towards our shared objectives.