10^th April 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya: The European Union Delegation to Kenya today announced that it will hold the Second Edition of the EU-Kenya Business Forum on 12^th and 13^th May 2025.

The announcement was made in a press briefing attended by Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications & Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo; EU Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Henriette Geiger; KEPSA CEO Ms Carole Kariuki; French Chamber of Commerce Chair & KEPSA Foreign Investments Director Mr Othmane Chaoui and other dignitaries including EU Head of Missions and private sector representatives.

Some of the opportunities that businesses stand to gain at the Forum include:

• Expand their business, connect with decision-makers, and explore new trade opportunities
• Gain strategic insights into digitalisation of trade and investment trends, opportunities, and challenges under the EPA
• Discover innovative digital solutions to improve trade processes and market access
• Network with policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators
• Participate in B2B meetings and create new business opportunities.

This year’s edition builds on EU’s Global Gateway strategy and connectivity projects in Kenya. It will bring together European Union and Kenyan policymakers, EU Member States representatives, business leaders, and civil society organisations to discuss how we can leverage on digital technologies to boost trade and economic growth following the entry into force of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement in July 2024.

The theme of the Forum is Digitalising Trade, with a particular focus on exploring how digital solutions — such as e-commerce, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and secure digital payments — can enhance the flow of goods and investments between the European Union and Kenya, while promoting eco-friendly trade practices.

Participants expected to attend the Forum include H.E William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, Mr Maroš Šefčovič, European Union Commissioner for Trade and Mr Thomas Östros, European Investment Bank Vice-President. Also expected to attend are Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications & Digital Economy, H.E. Hon. William Kabogo, and the Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry, H.E. Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, as well as several trade and business delegations from European Union Member States.

The Forum represents a key opportunity for Kenya to advance its digital transformation and highlight its emerging role as a leader in innovation and trade on the African continent.

Moreover, the Business Forum will feature the official launch of the European Chamber of Commerce in Kenya (EuroCham Kenya).

During the visit to Kenya of the European Union Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič, the first meeting of the EU-Kenya EPA Council will take place to discuss the state of play of the implementation of the EPA and possible future developments

European Union Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Henriette Geiger noted: “Since our last EU-Kenya Business Forum in 2023, the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement has come into force. This Business Forum provides an opportunity to explore what the EPA can do for Kenyan businesses, highlighting trade and investment opportunities and linking SMEs with similar businesses and with financiers. We encourage the business community to register to attend this forum.”

H.E. Hon. William Kabogo commented: “I am pleased to welcome the announcement of the Second Edition of the EU-Kenya Business Forum, scheduled for 12 and 13 May 2025 in Nairobi. This Forum comes at a pivotal moment for Kenya, as we accelerate our digital transformation journey and deepen our partnership with the European Union under the newly implemented EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement.”

Ms. Kariuki underscored the value of the internet economy, saying, “It could add up to $180 billion to Africa's combined GDP by 2025, according to a Google and IFC study. Investments in the digital economy are, therefore, key to taking advantage of the future of the digital economy. Through programs like the Ajira digital program, KEPSA has created more dignified digital job opportunities for young people in Kenya.”

KEPSA’s partnership with Microsoft in the AI National Skills Initiative (AINSI) aims to upskill 1,000,000 individuals in AI and Cybersecurity, added the CEO, noting, “The European market presents a great opportunity for trained digital labor, which is also why we prepare a digitally skilled workforce offering local or global services.”

EU-Kenya Trade and Investment Relations:

• Total trade between the EU and Kenya reached €3,4 billion in 2023, with an increase of 53% in the last 10 years. The EU is Kenya’s largest export partner, with 14% of the total exports, followed by Uganda (10%) and USA (9%). Trade between the EU and Kenya is balanced, as opposed to Kenya's trade with other major partners, with a slight surplus in the EU's favour of €559 million. EU’s imports from Kenya were €1.4 billion in 2023 consisting mainly of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. The production of these exported goods sustains more than 500,000 jobs in Kenya. EU’s exports to Kenya amount to €2 billion and are mainly in mineral and chemical products and in machinery.
• In 2023, EU’s investment stock in Kenya was EUR 2,8 billion. EU’s investment in Kenya has increased by 61% since 2013, where it stood at EUR 1,7 billion. Source.

To register, click here.