On 11^th February 2025, Ms. Carole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO met with H.E. Mrs. Danijela Čubrilo Martić, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Kenya, to discuss Kenya’s potential participation in the Specialized Exhibition EXPO 2027, to be held in Belgrade, Serbia. The meeting focused on strengthening economic ties between Kenya and Serbia, exploring trade and investment opportunities, and identifying key areas of collaboration between the private sectors of both countries. Ms Kariuki was accompanied by Ms. Stacey Mwende, Marketing and Membership Officer.

H.E. Ambassador Martić provided an overview of EXPO 2027, emphasizing its significance as a global platform for economic cooperation, innovation, and business networking. Under the theme “Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All”, the exhibition aims to showcase global advancements in trade, technology, culture, and sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on economic collaboration between participating countries. The Ambassador highlighted Serbia’s keen interest in engaging Kenya’s private sector and government stakeholders to facilitate Kenya’s participation in the event, noting that EXPO 2027 will offer a unique opportunity to position Kenya’s key industries, investment potential, and tourism sector on a global stage.

The meeting also touched on Serbia’s broader engagement with Africa, with the Ambassador confirming Serbia’s participation in the upcoming Africa Summit scheduled for April 2025. This summit will provide an additional opportunity to discuss trade policies, investment facilitation, and partnerships between African nations and Serbia, laying the groundwork for further engagement leading up to EXPO 2027.

A key outcome of the discussions was an agreement to conduct business matchmaking between Kenyan and Serbian enterprises online before physical meetings take place. This will ensure more targeted and productive engagements when businesses eventually meet in person. Additionally, KEPSA and the Serbian Embassy agreed to organize joint investor events and forums, with EXPO 2027 being the first in a series of collaborative initiatives to promote trade and investment between the two countries.

Ms. Kariuki reaffirmed KEPSA’s commitment to supporting initiatives that drive international trade, investment, and business linkages. The discussion explored potential areas of collaboration, including trade missions, sector-specific engagements, and opportunities for Kenyan businesses to connect with Serbian counterparts. KEPSA expressed interest in working with relevant stakeholders to ensure Kenya fully leverages EXPO 2027 as a platform for business expansion, investor attraction, and international networking.

KEPSA and the Serbian Embassy will coordinate efforts to engage key stakeholders, facilitate awareness of the opportunities at EXPO 2027, and outline actionable steps for Kenya’s participation. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhancing Kenya-Serbia economic cooperation through strategic partnerships, policy dialogue, and business-to-business engagements.