Kenya-Japan Business Forum held in Nairobi set to strengthen economic ties
The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, recently hosted the Kenya-Japan Business Forum in Nairobi, aimed at enhancing economic relations between the two nations. The event, officiated by the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, alongside H.E. Fuji Hiyasuki, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, served as an important platform for fostering knowledge exchange, technological collaboration, and industrial growth.
The forum is part of a broader effort to attract Japanese investors by promoting Kenya’s diverse investment opportunities. With a focus on technology transfer, market access, and industrial development, the forum aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aimed at driving economic growth from the grassroots level. The event was modeled after a successful trade forum held in Tokyo in February 2024, which brought together 40 Kenyan private sector companies and over 140 Japanese firms, further underscoring the strengthening ties between the two countries.
At the Nairobi event, KEPROBA showcased Kenya’s extensive investment opportunities, attracting over 100 Kenyan and 30 Japanese private sector companies. These represented a wide range of industries, including ICT, healthcare, manufacturing, shipping and logistics, energy, financial services, construction, agriculture, and insurance. The forum not only provided a platform for showcasing these opportunities but also introduced the visiting Japanese delegation to various incentives offered by the Kenyan government to encourage foreign investment.
Key to the success of the forum was the significant government-to-business and business-to-business matchmaking that took place, further cementing the cooperation between the two nations. The event also emphasized the importance of continued partnerships and collaborations, aiming to foster greater trade and investment opportunities.
KEPROBA’s active participation was a highlight of the forum, particularly as the Agency gears up for Kenya’s participation in the upcoming Osaka Expo 2025. KEPROBA’s Resource Mobilization Director, Ms. Fatma Bashir, was a key panelist in the discussion on “Leveraging Osaka Expo 2025 to enhance bilateral trade between Kenya and Japan.” Additionally, Product Market Development Directorate Manager, David Yamina, led a highly engaging business networking session that brought Kenyan and Japanese delegates together to explore collaboration opportunities. The session was complemented by a sumptuous buffet served by Serena Hotel.
In his closing remarks, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Investment Promotion, Mr. Abubakar Hassan, expressed his gratitude to the event organizers and reiterated his optimism for the future. “This forum has opened the doors to numerous business deals and ideas, and I am confident that it will lead to increased investments between Kenya and Japan,” he said.
The Kenya-Japan Business Forum marked a significant step towards further strengthening the economic and trade relations between Kenya and Japan. Through continued dialogue, collaboration, and investment, both countries are poised to realize the full potential of their bilateral partnership, contributing to mutual economic growth and transformation.
