Posted on :Thursday , 26th January 2023

Business persons from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently met to discuss trade opportunities under the theme ‘unlocking trade opportunities in East Africa and the Region’.

The meet was organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) in collaboration with the East Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EACCIA), the Embassy of Kenya in the DRC, and the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC).

More than 60 Kenyan business executives from different sectors participated in the trade conference.

The trade mission targets to identify trade and investment opportunities for expansion into the DRC market, following the success of Kenyan companies like Equity bank which have successfully set up in DRC.

In his welcome remarks, the Ambassador of Kenya in the DRC H.E. Amb. George Masafu applauded the conference as an indicator of progressive regional integration.

This was retaliated by the Secretary-General to the President of DRC S.E Jean Tshishima who emphasized the important role of trade and economic empowerment towards achieving peace and security in the DRC.

The Chair of the Council of Governors (COG) Trade Committee the Governor of Machakos County H.E. Hon. Wavinya Ndeti pledged the support of the COG in strengthening MSMEs participation in cross-border trade.

COG was also represented by the Governor of Kericho H.E. Hon. Dr. Erick Mutai who encouraged partnership in tea value addition and packaging and Governor of Laikipia County H.E. Hon. Joshua Irungu.

In his keynote speech, KNCCI President Mr. Richard Ngatia lauded the entry of DRC into the East African Community bloc as a great win for the region, citing DRC’s vast wealth of minerals and wood as key raw materials for manufacturing and assembly industries in Kenya and the region.

Mr. Ngatia is also the Chair of the ICGLR Private Sector Forum which Kenya and DRC are among the 12 member States.

Various speakers highlighted the opportunities available in the key sectors of mining, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, ICT, Tourism and financial services. In addition, delegates benefited from presentations by Industry experts to help them understand the market analysis, compliance requirements and investment outlook in both countries.

The trade conference will be followed by a B2B matchmaking forum and targeted factory visits for learning and benchmarking.

The 3 day mission is expected to culminate into beneficial business networks that will give boost to new trade partnerships and increase trade volumes between the 2 countries.