The European Union Delegation to Kenya has announced the second edition of the EU-Kenya Business Forum, set to take place in Nairobi on May 12 and 13, 2025. This year’s forum builds on the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and its ongoing connectivity projects in Kenya, offering a platform for policymakers, business leaders, and civil society representatives from both the EU and Kenya. The event will focus on the potential of digital technologies to enhance trade and economic growth within the framework of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which entered into force in July 2024.
The theme for the 2025 forum is “Digitalising Trade.” The discussions will center on how innovations such as e-commerce, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and secure digital payments can facilitate trade and investment flows while promoting sustainable and eco-friendly trade practices. These technologies are seen as essential tools for modernizing trade operations, making them more efficient, transparent, and accessible to a wider range of businesses.
The event will feature high-level participation from key figures, including H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, Maroš Šefčovič, European Union Commissioner for Trade, and Thomas Östros, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank. Other prominent attendees will include Kenyan government officials such as Hon. William Kabogo, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications & Digital Economy, and Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry. Additionally, trade and business delegations from EU member states will attend, alongside representatives from Kenya’s private sector, further enriching the forum’s discussions and networking opportunities.
Key highlights of the forum include the official launch of the European Chamber of Commerce in Kenya (EuroCham Kenya) and the inaugural meeting of the EU-Kenya EPA Council. This council, chaired by Commissioner Šefčovič, will review the agreement’s implementation and explore its future prospects. Since the last EU-Kenya Business Forum in 2023, the EPA has officially come into effect, providing new opportunities for businesses in both regions. The forum will allow participants to explore what the agreement can offer, particularly in terms of enhancing trade and investment flows. Special attention will be given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), linking them with similar businesses and financiers to promote growth and expansion.
Henriette Geiger, the European Union Ambassador to Kenya, emphasized the importance of the forum, noting that it would highlight trade and investment opportunities under the EPA and encourage the business community to participate. She pointed out that the event will provide a unique chance for Kenyan businesses to explore new partnerships and gain insights into the evolving landscape of digital trade.
Hon. William Kabogo, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications & Digital Economy, welcomed the forum, noting its significance at a time when Kenya is accelerating its digital transformation journey. He highlighted the importance of strengthening Kenya’s relationship with the EU under the newly implemented EPA, which promises to bring substantial benefits to both regions.
The forum also presents numerous opportunities for businesses, offering a platform for participants to expand their networks, connect with decision-makers, and engage in business-to-business (B2B) meetings. These meetings will provide avenues for fostering new partnerships and exploring the latest digital solutions to improve trade efficiency.
Since the inception of the EU-Kenya EPA, the trade relationship between the two parties has grown substantially. In 2023, total trade between the EU and Kenya reached €3.4 billion, marking a 53% increase over the past decade. EU imports from Kenya amounted to €1.4 billion, mainly comprising vegetables, fruits, and flowers, which support over 500,000 jobs in Kenya. EU exports to Kenya were valued at €2 billion, primarily consisting of machinery, minerals, and chemical products. Additionally, EU investment stock in Kenya reached €2.8 billion, a 61% increase since 2013, reflecting the strengthening economic ties between the two regions.
The EU-Kenya Business Forum is set to underscore Kenya’s growing role as a digital and trade leader in Africa, while aligning with the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic partnerships. The event will provide a timely opportunity for businesses to explore the potential of digital tools in enhancing trade and investment, making it a key event for those looking to expand their presence in the growing East African market.
