Kenya and China have stepped up efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, as more than 350 government officials and business leaders gathered for a high-level forum in Nairobi.
The China-Kenya Business Forum, held on March 23, focused on expanding economic cooperation and leveraging China’s new zero-tariff policy for African exports. The event was jointly organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency.
The forum comes ahead of China’s planned implementation of zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, set to take effect on May 1. Officials say the policy could significantly improve market access for African goods entering the Chinese market.
Kithure Kindiki, Kenya’s Deputy President, addressed the gathering alongside Ren Hongbin and Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry. They highlighted the importance of deepening trade ties and unlocking new opportunities for exporters and investors.
Ren said the zero-tariff policy would provide African countries with expanded access to the Chinese market, urging businesses to capitalise on the initiative. “This will create more opportunities for African exporters to enter China and strengthen practical cooperation,” he said.
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The forum brought together 64 Chinese enterprises operating in sectors including agriculture, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and finance. Kenyan and Chinese firms used the platform to negotiate procurement agreements and explore partnerships, particularly in agricultural commodities such as coffee and avocados, as well as in minerals.
Business-to-business matchmaking sessions were held across key sectors, including agriculture and food, manufacturing, energy and mining, trade and finance, and technology. These sessions aimed to facilitate practical deals and long-term collaboration between companies from both countries.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing Kenyan products eligible for zero-tariff export to China. Around 25 Kenyan companies from agriculture, mining and manufacturing sectors displayed specialty goods, highlighting the country’s export potential under the new policy framework.
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Participants also discussed broader issues affecting trade, including the development of logistics corridors and infrastructure needed to support increased exports. Improving supply chains and reducing trade barriers were identified as key priorities to fully benefit from expanded market access.
Analysts say the zero-tariff initiative could help Kenya diversify its export base and increase foreign exchange earnings, particularly if local producers can meet quality standards and scale up production. However, they caution that challenges such as logistics constraints and global competition may limit the pace of gains.
The forum reflects growing economic engagement between China and African countries, with trade and investment partnerships continuing to expand across sectors. For Kenya, strengthening ties with China remains central to its strategy to boost exports, attract investment, and drive industrialisation.
As the zero-tariff policy takes effect, both governments and businesses are expected to focus on translating commitments into tangible trade flows, with forums such as this serving as a platform to turn policy into practice.
