NCBA is taking more than 100 business owners and company leaders from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda to China to help them find new markets, suppliers, technologies, and business partnerships.
Entrepreneurs from Small, Medium, and large enterprises met in Nairobi for a pre-departure forum ahead of the bank’s 12-day China Market Linkage & Business Exposure Programme. The business delegation will travel to Beijing and Guangzhou from October 13 to 24, 2026.
The programme is the first time NCBA has brought customers from its four East African markets together for a single China-focused business initiative. It will allow participants to see China’s business environment firsthand and explore ways to expand their companies and strengthen their supply chains.
Speaking during the briefing, NCBA Group Director of Retail Banking Dennis Njau said businesses require more than financing to remain competitive:
“Businesses need more than financing to compete in an increasingly interconnected world. They need access to knowledge, technology, markets, networks and the right partnerships. Through this programme, we are providing our customers with practical exposure to one of the world’s most dynamic trading ecosystems while creating opportunities that can translate into tangible business growth and long-term business relationships,” said Njau
The initiative was announced on October 2, 2026, as the economic and trade ties between East Africa and China continue to expand. Kenya is also looking to increase its exports to China and reduce a trade deficit estimated at more than KSh500 billion.
Under the Kenya-China Early Harvest Agreement, eligible Kenyan exports can access duty-free treatment on about 98.2 per cent of Chinese tariff lines. The arrangement could give Kenyan businesses more opportunities to find buyers and enter the Chinese market.
During the trip, participants will explore sectors including manufacturing, agribusiness, electronics, construction, automotive, consumer goods, renewable energy and technology. They will meet manufacturers, exporters and international suppliers, visit industrial parks and production facilities and attend the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, one of the world’s largest trade exhibitions.
The delegation will also visit wholesale markets linked to their areas of business and participate in business-to-business meetings focused on sourcing, logistics, international trade and market access.
NCBA said it will continue supporting customers after the programme through trade finance, working capital, asset finance, commercial lending, foreign exchange, treasury and transaction banking services.
The bank expects the initiative to also strengthen business links across East Africa by encouraging knowledge sharing, regional partnerships and stronger intra-African supply chains.