KNCCI Hosts Kenya–Zimbabwe Investment and Trade Mission: Unlocking Africa's Industrial Potential
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) recently collaborated to host a transformative Kenya–Zimbabwe Investment and Trade Mission in Nairobi, with the theme 'Unlocking Business Potential through Policy, Partnerships, and Productivity'. This high-level event brought together key stakeholders from both nations, including government officials, business leaders, and investors, to explore new avenues for expanding bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.
The mission aimed to address the current state of trade between Kenya and Zimbabwe, which has been underperforming. Between 2022 and 2024, trade between the two countries averaged only USD 39 million annually, representing a mere 0.25% of their global trade volumes. Kenya exported USD 22.1 million worth of goods, primarily value-added products, while imports stood at USD 16.9 million, mostly raw tobacco and sugar. This disparity highlights the need for a strategic shift in trade relations.
KNCCI National Director Joseph Mutavi, representing Chamber President Dr. Eric Rutto, emphasized the Chamber's commitment to fostering private-sector-driven partnerships that lead to tangible business outcomes. He highlighted the importance of agro-processing, manufacturing, and technology transfer, sectors where Kenya and Zimbabwe can collaborate effectively. Mr. Mutavi also noted the sad state of trade between the two nations, advocating for a collaborative approach to value addition.
"Africa will not industrialize by exporting raw materials to each other," he asserted. "We must work together to add value to our products."
Advocate Christopher Mugaga, CEO of ZNCC, echoed this sentiment during the opening session, emphasizing the long-standing relations between the two countries and the need for strengthened collaboration to unlock Africa's collective potential through trade and industrial linkages. The mission was timely, as both economies seek to diversify exports, deepen value addition, and benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The second session focused on identifying key investment and trade opportunities. Presentations were made by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), and ZimTrade, who highlighted prospects in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, ICT, and tourism. Speakers from both KNCCI and ZNCC underscored the need to shift from exporting raw materials to producing and trading in value-added goods.
"For Zimbabwe, this means moving up the value chain by leveraging Kenya’s agro-processing expertise, while for Kenya, it means tapping into Zimbabwe’s mineral and industrial potential to support manufacturing and infrastructure growth," said Fatma Bashir, Head of the Trade Department at KNCCI.
In his closing remarks, KNCCI Ag CEO Mr. K.K. Mutai called for a paradigm shift, urging both sides to focus on value addition, industrial linkages, and technology integration. He emphasized that the AfCFTA presents a transformative framework for deepening this partnership, eliminating tariff barriers, harmonizing standards, and fostering integrated regional value chains.
The afternoon sessions were dedicated to sector-specific B2B matchmaking, facilitated jointly by KNCCI and ZNCC. Participants explored concrete partnership opportunities in agro-processing, industrial manufacturing, logistics, and technology transfer. The mission reaffirmed the shared vision of both countries to harness policy, partnerships, and productivity as catalysts for industrial transformation.
KNCCI and ZNCC leaders agreed on the need to institutionalize business exchanges, promote joint ventures, and facilitate regular trade missions under the AfCFTA framework to sustain momentum. This collaborative effort is expected to drive economic growth and industrialization in both nations, contributing to the broader African economic integration agenda.
