Kenya’s economic relationship with China continues to expand, with this year’s AFRIPEAK Expo marking a significant milestone in fostering industrial cooperation between the two nations. Kenya’s presence at the expo, which will take place in Nairobi, has grown from 20 participants in 2023 to 30 in 2024. The event is seen as a major platform for industrial innovation, partnerships, and trade development across the region. Organized by Afripeak Expo Kenya in collaboration with the Kenya Investment Authority and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), the expo aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 development goals and underscores the nation’s ambitions to become a newly industrialized, middle-income economy.

Expanding Participation and Opportunities

According to Gao Wei, managing director of AFRIPEAK Expo Kenya, the addition of 10 more booths this year signifies the growing importance of the event for local businesses looking to expand their international footprint. The additional booths provide more Kenyan firms with the opportunity to showcase their products on a global stage, highlighting the dynamism of the country’s industrial sector.

“The Expo has grown into a premier platform for industrial innovation, partnerships, and exploring new opportunities in Kenya and the wider East African region,” Gao Wei remarked. He added that the expanded booth space will increase international visibility for local companies, creating new avenues for growth and collaboration.

This expansion is a testament to the success of previous expos and the growing interest from Kenyan businesses in forging stronger ties with international partners, particularly from China. The Expo is an essential element of Kenya’s broader industrial strategy and serves as a key platform for promoting technological transfer, industrial best practices, and the exchange of ideas.

Strengthening Kenya-China Economic Relations

Kenya’s economic relationship with China has grown significantly in recent years. China is now Kenya’s largest trading partner, a relationship bolstered by trade promotion agreements and partnerships that have facilitated greater investment and skill development through networking and exchange programs.

Erick Rutto, President of KNCCI, emphasized that these agreements have strengthened bilateral trade, with Kenya’s exports to China increasing by 37% from 2020 to 2021. In 2023, Kenya exported $227.69 million worth of goods to China, while importing $3.2 billion in products from the Asian giant. The main Kenyan exports to China include petroleum oils, ores, tea, fruits, vegetables, macadamia nuts, and coffee. In return, China provides Kenya with electronics, machinery, and textiles, among other goods.

The KNCCI has played a proactive role in fostering these economic ties, particularly through its collaboration with Afripeak Expo Kenya since 2020. Through this partnership, the chamber has promoted technology transfer and business development, leading to increased trade and investment between the two countries.

Successful Exports and Opportunities for Growth

Rutto revealed that the efforts of KNCCI and its partners over the past six months have resulted in successful exports totaling approximately Ksh 300 million to China. These exports span a variety of sectors, including leather, skincare, coffee, and macadamia kernels. This success highlights the potential for Kenyan businesses to thrive in international markets, particularly through platforms like the AFRIPEAK Expo.

Rutto also pointed out the numerous business opportunities available for traders from both nations, particularly in agriculture, ICT, construction, and energy. He underscored Kenya’s strategic role as a gateway to Africa and urged Chinese companies to take advantage of this position to expand their operations on the continent.

“There are significant opportunities in agriculture, ICT, construction, and energy,” Rutto stated. “We are committed to welcoming Chinese companies to Kenya and promoting foreign direct investments.”

Promoting Vision 2030 and Industrial Growth

The AFRIPEAK Expo plays a crucial role in Kenya’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into a newly industrialized, middle-income economy. By providing a platform for innovation and collaboration, the Expo aligns with the government’s efforts to drive industrial growth, create jobs, and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Gao Wei explained that the structure of the Expo has been optimized to feature companies representing the best in industrial innovation and practices. This focus on innovation is designed to push the boundaries of what is possible and encourage creative thinking among Kenyan businesses. The goal is not only to celebrate current achievements but also to envision the future possibilities for Kenya’s industrial sector.

“The enhancements introduced this year are meant to push the boundaries of what is possible, encouraging creative thinking and challenging the status quo,” Gao Wei added.

Bridging the Trade Gap and Future Aspirations

Despite the growth in exports, there remains a significant trade imbalance between Kenya and China, with the latter exporting far more to Kenya than it imports. Rutto acknowledged this disparity but expressed optimism about the potential for Kenyan businesses to bridge the trade gap by diversifying and expanding the range of products they export to China.

“We aim to bridge the trade gap by expanding and diversifying the range of products we export to China,” Rutto noted. He added that the Expo would serve as a key platform for achieving this objective by facilitating stronger trade relations and creating new opportunities for local industries.

Looking ahead, Rutto emphasized the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in driving industrial growth across the continent. He highlighted the potential for Kenya and China to collaborate in leveraging AfCFTA to tap into new markets and create mutually beneficial trade partnerships.

“Our goal is to enhance cooperation and support the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Rutto concluded, underscoring Kenya’s strategic role as a gateway to Africa for Chinese businesses.

Conclusion

The AFRIPEAK Expo 2024 is poised to be a critical event in Kenya’s industrial calendar, offering local businesses the chance to showcase their products and forge international partnerships. With expanded participation, the event reflects the growing strength of Kenya-China economic relations and the potential for further growth in trade and investment.

As Kenya continues to implement its Vision 2030 goals, platforms like the AFRIPEAK Expo will play an increasingly important role in driving industrial innovation, promoting technology transfer, and fostering economic cooperation. With the support of organizations like KNCCI and the Kenya Investment Authority, Kenyan businesses are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities and build a more prosperous future.

photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

17th September, 2024