NCBA is stepping up efforts to help Kenyan small and medium-sized enterprises take advantage of growing international trade opportunities, bringing together exporters, government agencies and industry partners to tackle the financing and market-access challenges facing businesses.
The lender convened its SME Exporters Forum, creating a platform for stakeholders to explore ways of strengthening Kenya’s export ecosystem and helping more local businesses move beyond the domestic market.
The forum brought together the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), government representatives, development partners, exporters and other industry stakeholders.
Finance at the heart of export growth
NCBA used the forum to showcase its integrated Trade Finance and Global Markets solutions, which are designed to support businesses throughout the export cycle.
The solutions provide exporters with trade financing, working capital and transaction support, alongside foreign exchange, hedging and market intelligence services.
According to NCBA, these tools can help businesses manage the financial and currency risks associated with cross-border trade while making better-informed decisions when entering new markets.
Kenya seeks to close trade gap
The push comes as Kenya looks to strengthen its export competitiveness amid a widening merchandise trade deficit.
Kenya’s merchandise exports grew by more than 10% in 2024 to surpass KSh1.1 trillion, while the KNBS Economic Survey 2026 indicates that the merchandise trade deficit widened to approximately KSh1.65 trillion in 2025.
The figures have increased pressure to boost exports, encourage value addition and help more Kenyan enterprises compete in international markets.
At the same time, exporters are facing an expanding range of opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), trade agreements with the European Union and United States, as well as China’s decision to provide approximately 98.2% zero-duty market access for eligible Kenyan products under the Early Harvest Agreement.
NCBA: Kenyan products can compete globally
NCBA Group Director, Retail Banking, Dennis Njau, said Kenya already has products capable of attracting global demand, but businesses need the financial capacity and expertise to take advantage of available opportunities.
“Kenya does not lack products the world wants. Our task now is to ensure more Kenyan businesses have what they need to take those products to the world,” Njau said.
He said access to markets must be accompanied by financing, trade expertise and partnerships if businesses are to convert opportunities into sustainable growth.
Njau added that NCBA’s approach is anchored on its purpose of “Banking on Belief. Empowering Ambitions,” with a focus on giving businesses the tools required to compete internationally.
Partnerships seen as key to export ambitions
KEPROBA Economic Intelligence Officer Kevin Oluoch also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
He said Kenya’s export ambitions will require stronger partnerships involving government, financial institutions, development partners and businesses.
Such partnerships, he noted, can help SMEs gain access to markets, financing and the support needed to compete globally.
China programme to connect Kenyan businesses
NCBA is set to deepen its support for exporters later this year through its annual China Market Linkage Programme.
The initiative will connect Kenyan businesses with buyers, suppliers and strategic partners in China, one of the world’s largest trading economies.
The programme forms part of NCBA’s wider strategy to provide businesses with market linkages alongside financial solutions.
Through the exporters’ forum and upcoming market initiatives, NCBA says it aims to strengthen collaboration across Kenya’s export value chain and help more businesses transform international market opportunities into sustainable growth.