Key Discussion Areas

1. Advantages of AfCFTA

• Expands market access for African businesses.
• Reduces trade barriers, including tariffs and quotas.
• Drives economic growth through regional trade.
• Supports industrialization and value addition.
• Attracts foreign investment into African markets.

2. Challenges SMEs Face in Exporting

• Limited access to export financing.
• Complex regulatory and compliance requirements.
• High logistics and transportation costs.
• Lack of awareness about trade agreements and export opportunities.
• Difficulty meeting international quality and packaging standards.

3. Export Market Research

• Understanding market demand and industry trends.
• Identifying competitive advantages in foreign markets.
• Using trade data and government export support programs.
• Conducting feasibility studies before market entry.

4. Factors in Selecting an Export Market

• Market size and demand for the product.
• Regulatory requirements and trade policies.
• Economic stability and currency exchange considerations.
• Cultural preferences and consumer behavior.
• Availability of distribution channels.

5. Market Strategies for Exporting

• Choosing between direct and indirect export approaches.
• Partnering with local distributors or agents.
• Utilizing e-commerce for cross-border trade.
• Engaging in trade fairs, exhibitions, and business networks.
• Leveraging government trade promotion initiatives.

6. Export Logistics & Documentation

• Key export documents (e.g., invoices, certificates of origin, bill of lading).
• Customs clearance and compliance procedures.
• Selecting appropriate transportation modes (air, sea, road, rail).
• Risk management strategies, including insurance and secure packaging.
• Role of trade facilitation agencies in supporting exporters.

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In her speech, H.E. Amb. Haiyan Guo – Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, commended Kenya’s infrastructural advancements, particularly in transport and industrialization. She emphasized the need for deeper collaboration in trade and the digital economy to drive economic growth.

In his keynote address, Dr. Rutto highlighted the KNCCI China Office’s success in facilitating Ksh 7 billion in exports and announced a training program in China for 21 Kenyan companies to enhance trade competencies.

Nairobi’s role as a regional business hub was underscored by Deputy Governor H.E. James Muchiri, who reaffirmed the county’s commitment to fostering stronger business partnerships with Chongqing.

In his address, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui – Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investments, Trade & Industry, emphasized China’s role in Kenya’s economic landscape, noting that China’s expertise could help Kenya tap into its vast mineral resources for export.

Several agreements were initiated, paving the way for enhanced business volumes, investment flows, and sectoral growth.

As Kenya and China deepen economic collaboration, KNCCI remains committed to facilitating trade and investment partnerships between Kenyan and Chongqing enterprises.

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The meeting focused on establishing strategic connections between KNCCI and Jordan’s economic institutions, specifically the economic department of the Jordanian Embassy and the Jordan Chamber of Commerce. Discussions centered on creating pathways for collaboration and strengthening bilateral trade relations.

A key agenda item explored how Kenya’s private sector could learn from Jordan’s experience with free trade agreements and potentially leverage similar opportunities to enhance international trade. The participants also emphasized the importance of improving direct trade between Kenya and Jordan, aiming to reduce intermediaries and create more efficient trade channels between the two countries.

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As a leading travel management platform serving both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) markets, BuuPass simplifies business travel with digitized booking, real-time expense tracking, and seamless in-app approvals.Their services include air, bus, and train ticketing, visa facilitation, travel insurance, airport transfers, and 24/7 support.

Notably, Easy Coach is one of their major bus clients, and they are also looking to work with KNCCI county chapters to facilitate seamless inter-county travel. Additionally, BuuPass is the official ticketing partner for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) offers event ticketing.

Beyond Travel, they offer an advertising platform reaching 5M+ travelers monthly, and a marketplace for comparing various travel options, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and cost-effectiveness for businesses.

We were warmly hosted by Ms. Sonia Kabra, Co-Founder & Director of BuuPass, and we look forward to a strong and fruitful partnership.

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With 10 years of experience and a strong presence in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kampala, Jonerics Cargo is well-positioned to support regional trade. KNCCI is excited to onboard them onto the iSOKO platform as a service provider to enhance logistics within the regions where iSOKO operates.

We were warmly hosted by their CEO, Mr. Eric K. Nguku, and we are thrilled to welcome them to KNCCI. We look forward to a fruitful partnership ahead!

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KNCCI’s County and MSMEs Manager, Mr. Stephen Osedo, highlighted KNCCI’s role in supporting SMEs through initiatives like the Jiinue Growth Programme, which provides training and financial support to growth of SMEs in Kenya. He also provided a highlight of AfCFTA, outlining its potential to boost intra-African trade and create new market opportunities for Kenyan businesses.

The workshop equipped SMEs with practical knowledge on export logistics, covering key areas such as:

1. Export regulations & processes
2. AfCFTA market opportunities
3. Market entry strategies & research
4. Essential export documentation, including KRA PIN, valid commercial invoice, packing list, export customs entry, Airway Bill/Bill of Lading/ Road consignment note, and Certificates of Origin issued by KRA (Preferential) and KNCCI (Non-Preferential).

This workshop provided critical insights to navigate export procedures effectively and leverage AfCFTA’s opportunities for market expansion.

Also in attendance were Mombasa Chapter Directors Elizabeth Mvoi and Mwinyi Jahazi, and County Manager Pauline Musiko.

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During the visit, two key partnership agreements were signed:

1. Coffee Trade Collaboration – An agreement on the importation and distribution of Kenyan coffee in the Ghanaian market, with the potential for blending Kenya’s Robusta coffee with Ghana’s Arabica coffee to create unique blends.
2. Cosmetics Industry Partnership – An agreement to facilitate the distribution of Kenyan cosmetic products in Ghana, along with opportunities for contract manufacturing to enhance local production and market penetration.

These partnerships mark a significant step toward strengthening trade relations between Kenya and Ghana, leveraging AfCFTA opportunities for mutual economic growth.

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What’s New in Ellevate 2.0?

Ellevate 2.0 brings greater inclusivity and flexibility for women entrepreneurs with the following key improvements:
Expanded Eligibility – Now open to women-led businesses at any stage.
Reduced Business Age Requirement – Businesses only need two years of operation, down from the previous three-year requirement.
Extended Loan Repayment Period – Increased from 2 years to 7 years, allowing businesses better financial planning.
Simplified Onboarding Process – A streamlined system for faster and easier access to financial solutions.

Strengthening Women’s Financial Independence

During the re-launch event, Ms. Anan-Ankomah extended her appreciation to all partners supporting the Ellevate by Ecobank initiative. She underscored the importance of financial literacy, asset ownership, and business sustainability for women entrepreneurs. Notably, she recognized KNCCI as a key strategic partner, citing its wide reach across all 47 counties in promoting business growth and capacity-building for women.

KNCCI’s Role in Women Empowerment

Speaking during a panel session, KNCCI Women in Business Committee Chairlady, Director Zainab Mohammed, highlighted KNCCI’s ongoing efforts to uplift women-led businesses through:
Capacity-building programs that equip women with essential business skills.
Awareness initiatives to educate women on opportunities such as AGPO (Access to Government Procurement Opportunities) as a pathway to financial independence.
Advocacy for inclusive policies that foster a more supportive environment for women entrepreneurs.

Inspiring Women to Lead & Grow

The event concluded with a powerful keynote address by Sally Mahihu, Board Chairperson, KenInvest, who encouraged women to:
Cultivate self-awareness and confidence in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Navigate identity challenges in business leadership.
Invest in continuous learning, mentorship, and coaching to enhance business acumen.
Deepen industry expertise for long-term sustainability and growth.

A Brighter Future for Women-Led Businesses

With the launch of Ellevate 2.0, more women entrepreneurs now have access to tailored financial solutions and business growth opportunities. As a committed advocate for women in business, KNCCI remains at the forefront of driving economic empowerment and fostering an environment where women-led enterprises thrive.

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Key Highlights

• Enhanced Trade Ties & Strategic Partnerships:
  Participants discussed strengthening trade relations, leveraging the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and creating lasting business partnerships between Kenya and Ghana.
• Support for SMEs and Market Expansion:
  Dr. George Karanja reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He encouraged businesses to explore new markets beyond traditional trade routes while addressing the challenges of intra-African trade through increased trust and cooperation.
• Promoting African Identity and Industries:
  GCCI President Mr. Stephane Miezan called on business leaders to embrace their African identity and take pride in promoting indigenous products and industries. He emphasized that confidence, integrity, and trust are essential for ensuring a prosperous and unified African trade future.
• Collaboration and Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges:
  Kenya’s Acting High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Kotut, highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that no country can thrive in isolation. While commending Kenya and Ghana for their pioneering role in implementing AfCFTA, he also pointed out that infrastructure gaps remain a challenge for seamless trade across the continent.
• Strategic Regional Hubs:
  Dr. Fareed, Ghana’s National AfCFTA Coordinator, underscored the strategic positions of Ghana and Kenya as gateways to West and East Africa, respectively. He urged traders to seize these opportunities, praising both nations for facilitating the free movement of people and goods under AfCFTA.
• Emphasis on Innovation and Value Addition:
  GCCI’s 1st Vice President, Dr. Emelia Asiakwa, and Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), stressed the importance of innovation, strategic partnerships, and value addition. They advised entrepreneurs to carefully assess market demand to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.

A New Era of Partnership

This forum marks a significant milestone in reinforcing the partnership between Kenya and Ghana. Through unity and cooperative efforts, both nations are poised to unlock Africa’s full trade potential and drive sustainable economic growth.

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The meeting focused on exploring partnership and collaboration between the two chambers, with discussions centered on fostering trade between East and West Africa.

Key initiatives agreed upon include launching virtual B2B engagements between KNCCI and LCCI members across various sectors, organizing reciprocal trade missions between Nigeria and Kenya, and facilitating regular information sharing between the chambers.

The visit concluded with an invitation extended to the LCCI leadership to participate in the upcoming WCF Africa Summit, while the Lagos Chamber invited Kenyan delegates to attend the Lagos International Trade Fair.

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