KEPSA, led by the CEO Ms Carole Kariuki, participated in the French Week event that kicked off on Tuesday, 12^th November 2024. The three-day event was organised by the French Chamber of Commerce in Kenya (FCCK) and provided a great opportunity for Kenyan businesses to meet the best of the French Kenyan ecosystem, discover new opportunities, connect with leaders, investors and partners, and grow their businesses.

Day three of the event focused on business and infrastructure and played host to insightful discussions and presentations to bridge opportunities between France and Kenya and unveil new prospects for investors and businesses. The session was graced by Mr. Alfred K’Ombudo, Principal Secretary for Trade who highlighted the significance of the Economic Partnership Agreement signed between Kenya and the European Union in July. He said that the agreement, which focuses on trade, logistics, sanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, and agriculture, provides a framework for further negotiations and agreements between French and Kenyan companies, especially in areas like sustainability.

In his remarks, Mr. Othmane Chaoui, Chairman, FCCK and KEPSA Director in charge of Foreign Investments, outlined the benefits of increased trade and collaboration between France and Kenya, emphasizing the reduction of trade barriers, enhanced business competitiveness, and the introduction of new products and technologies. He said that the event featured a lineup of French companies showcasing innovation in sectors crucial for Kenya's growth, such as renewable energy and infrastructure.

In a panel discussion themed, ‘Strengthening French-Kenyan Relations: Opportunities and Avenues for Collaboration’, Ms. Kariuki pointed out Kenya's opportunities in various sectors, emphasizing agriculture, digital innovation, renewable energy, fashion, and prospective industries. She also challenged French businesses to explore opportunities for co-production and joint ventures between Kenyan and French companies to leverage the African market and the advantages of Kenya's strategic location.

Ms. Kariuki was joined in the panel by Mr. Othmane Chaoui; Mr. Rogers Amisi, Manager, One Stop Centre, Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest); Mr. Arnaud Floris, Head of Africa, French Public Investment Bank (Bpifrance); Mr. Ahmed Farah, CEO, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI); and Ms. Laure Paugam, Executive Director, FCCK as the moderator.

The session emphasized enhancing support for SMEs and facilitating foreign investment in Kenya; Engaging with banks to address high-interest rates that hinder credit access; and Collaborating with Kenya's Department of Trade to build aggregation platforms and streamline access to international markets via trade agreements, among other emerging issues.