Nairobi-Kenya: 13^th May 2025: The Second Edition of the EU-Kenya Business Forum has spotlighted the transformative potential of technologies such as e-commerce, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and secure digital payments in enhancing trade flows, fostering sustainable development, and connecting Kenyan businesses to the European market.

The event comes shortly after the entry into force of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in July 2024, marking a new era of strengthened economic cooperation. The Forum also marks the first official visit to Kenya by the European Union Commissioner for Trade, Mr Maroš Šefčovič, and the inaugural meeting of the EU-Kenya EPA Ministerial Council, where both sides will assess the progress and potential of the EPA. Total trade between the EU and Kenya reached EUR 3,4 billion in 2023, with an increase of 13% in the last year and of 53% in the last 10 years. The EU is Kenya’s first export destination, with 14% of the total exports. The EU’s investment in Kenya increased by 61% since 2013.

In the two-day forum that kicked off yesterday, KEPSA was represented by Dr. Jas Bedi, Chairperson and Dr. Ehud Gachugu, the Ag. Deputy CEO and Global Director of Youth & Jobs. The forum has brought, together more than 700 businesses with representation from delegates from Kenya, other East African countries, Europe, with 60 travelling companies and around 130 with a base in Kenya.

In his remarks, H.E. President Dr. William Ruto said, “We remain committed to implementing a pro-trade policy regime that not only fosters inclusive wealth creation, but also generates much-needed opportunities. Our goal is to build a comprehensive, resilient economy that benefits every Kenyan, while strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships with allies like the EU as we celebrate the digitization of trade.”

During a high-level panel discussion, Dr. Bedi highlighted the significant certainty that Kenya derives from the EPA with the EU. He pointed out that trade thrives on predictability, a quality currently lacking in the broader, increasingly polarised global trade environment. He also noted that the timing of the EPA agreement was opportune, given the EU's position as the world's second-largest market with an $18 trillion economy.

Dr Bedi was on the panel with Mr Maroš Šefčovič; Mr. Thomas Östros, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank; Cabinet Secretaries H.E. Hon. Lee Kinyanjui (Investment, Trade and Industry) and H.E. Hon. William Kabogo (Information, Communications and Digital Economy) in a session that was moderated by Johnson Mwakazi.

"The EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement is a landmark achievement. It is the most ambitious deal that the EU has ever concluded with a sub-Saharan partner. It reflects the shared commitment to strengthen and diversify our economies, create good jobs and foster sustainable growth." Said Mr Maroš Šefčovič during the event.

The highlight of the forum was the launch of the European Chamber of Commerce in Kenya (EuroCham Kenya) to further institutionalise the EU-Kenya trade relationship and provide a platform for dialogue and business facilitation. The event has also witnessed three landmark signings of agreements between the European Investment Bank and Family Bank; the EU’s TEI Investing in Young Businesses in Africa and Women Entrepreneurship for Africa; and EuroCham Kenya and KenInvest.

Participants also engage in Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) networking and Business-to-Finance (B2F) speed dating to foster financing, especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and incubators.

While speaking in a roundtable on Data as a Value Chain - Unlocking Safe & Secure Data Flows Between Kenya and Europe, Dr. Ehud Gachugu spoke about how businesses are taking advantage of existing programs in the country to transact on a global stage. He addressed the work the private sector is doing, especially in regards to the BPO sector, “One of the sectors we have been very vocal on is the digital economy, particularly on the BPO services. Over the last three years, working together with our government colleagues in the Ministry of ICT as well as other departments, we have been looking holistically at ways we can transform this sector,” he noted.

Amid shifting economic landscapes and global trade disruptions, the EU-Kenya partnership offers predictable, fair access to a prosperous market of over 450 million consumers, bolstering Kenya’s economic resilience and creating inclusive business opportunities.

The EU-Kenya Business Forum offers direct engagement with decision-makers, strategic insights on digital trade, and access to innovative tools and platforms that improve market access for businesses of all sizes. This Forum deepens economic ties and reinforces Kenya’s role as a continental leader in innovation, digital transformation, and inclusive growth.