A consignment valued at USD 1.3 million was officially flagged off as part of the TradeConnect Initiative, founded by CEO Felix Chege. This initiative is set to empower African entrepreneurs by enhancing logistical and financial support across the continent.

At the launch event, the chief guest, H.E the Secretary-General of AfCFTA, Wamkele Mene expressed the support of the AfCFTA Secretariat for the initiative’s success. He highlighted plans to establish AfCFTA trading companies to aggregate resources, thereby creating opportunities for local SMEs to expand into regional markets.

Representing the Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, EGH Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya,EGH, underscored the importance of the TradeConnect Initiative in realizing Africa’s economic potential and advancing a vision for a self-reliant and prosperous continent. He expressed his gratitude and pledged the Ministry’s full support to foster SME growth, not only in Kenya but across Africa, through the initiative.

In her remarks, Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni encouraged African businesses to invest in intra-African trade, and appreciated the good job done by the team of young peopke that made the initiative a reality.

KNCCI CEO Ahmed Farah, HSC, called on private sector players to engage in such forums, emphasizing that they provide valuable networking opportunities. He reiterated KNCCI’s readiness to collaborate with government and non-government institutions to boost trade within Kenya and across Africa.

KNCCI is committed to championing the initiative by facilitating market linkages to help Kenyan businesses expand internationally and highlight Africa’s trade potential.

Also in attendance was the Principal Secretary for Transport, Mohamed Daghar.