KEPSA, represented by the CEO Ms. Carole Kariuki, participated in the Italy-Africa business-to-business dialogue on 8^th May 2024 in Rome, Italy. The dialogue centred on the issues of common interest that concern the economic growth of the continent and collaboration in key sectors for its future with the key issues being: Energy and digital transition, Agro-Industry, Development of the manufacturing industry and Sustainable mobility.

During the forum, business representatives from Africa put forward potential opportunities to tap from Italy's technological expertise towards accelerating energy and digital transition. They discussed how the private sector could collaborate in the endeavour by navigating the existing barriers in helping Africa build resilience and adaptation to climate change.

In supporting agro-industry, the forum focused on strengthening Africa’s local production systems for increased food production, food security and economic growth. Furthermore, the forum discussed how Italian associations could achieve sustainable agriculture and adaptation to climate change in Africa.

In order to support the development of the manufacturing industry, the dialogue focused on how Italian and African associations can collaborate in order to encourage the transfer of technologies and knowledge as well as address the main barriers preventing the expansion of Africa’s manufacturing industry i.e financing, after-sales assistance and technical training of human capital.

To support sustainable development, the dialogue envisioned how trade associations see Africa's role in the global manufacturing industry by 2050 and deliberated on key steps necessary to ensure that Africa meets these expectations. Towards sustainable mobility discussions on optimising the synergy between Italian and African companies in offering mobility solutions were prioritised in ensuring smart African cities.