On July 5, 2023, KEPSA participated in the UK-Africa Trade and Investment Policy Stakeholder Workshop which took place at Tribe Hotel, Nairobi hosted by the Tony Blair Institute and Global for Change Network. The workshop aimed to bring together key stakeholders from various sectors in Kenya to discuss and outline steps that should be taken by a future UK government to maximize trade and investment opportunities between UK and Africa.

The event was centered around its main objective – to foster constructive dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, industry associations, businesses, academic institutions and civil society organisations. The workshop further explored opportunities, challenges and strategies to enhance UK-Africa trade and investment partnership.

In her welcoming remarks, Ms Lisa Karanja, the TBI County Director, noted that the workshop was a unique network of cross sector changemakers with the aim of not only fostering partnerships to identify and implement solutions to pressing global challenges but also to respond to the climate crisis, new technology and expanding economic prosperity. She further noted that the consultation was the start of a global network for change series on the topic of UK-Africa trade and investment, which will result in a set of policy recommendations for better business practice.

Mr. Fanuel Kidenda from the State Department of Trade, emphasized that in-line with fostering the UK-Africa trade and investments, the ministry first is keen on the elimination of illicit trade and seeks to promote fair trade practices within Kenya. He noted that legal and regulatory reforms, in consultation with the private sector, were in place to operationalize the promotion of trade development. Secondly, he brought to light the priority value chains for the Kenya Kwanza government. This included; edible oil, garment and textiles, construction and building materials and tea and coffee. He further noted that the key challenge that exists in Africa hindering trade is the issue of Intra-African trade.

The workshop was followed by two plenary sessions. The first plenary session moderated by Mr Frank Matsaert, discussed on Economy and trade. This included but not limited to how UK-Africa policy can ensure that UK investors are incentivised to invest in high potential sectors in Africa, how best African countries can signal and attract UK financiers and investors, the current challenges and opportunities in the current UK-Africa finance and Investment Landscape, the priority areas for support and assistance to Africa and measures to be put in place to ensure effective implementations, monitoring and evaluation of UK-Africa in terms of investment impact.

The second session moderated by Ms Phylis Wakiaga, set the tone on Finance and Investments. The discussion was tier-centered including; discussion around Finance, debt and investment, financing decarbonisation and development, and Investing in Green Energy Transition.

KEPSA was represented by Ms Mary Ngechu, Director SMEs and Start-ups, Mr Ben Roberts, Chair ICT Sector Board and Ms Susan Maingi, Chair Trade and Industry Sector Board.